Brian Scannell has confirmed to us that the CPD modules that all assessors will be required to take for the next RDSAP changes are expected to be free. However, there maybe 3rd party costs, such as exam fees which would apply across all schemes. NHER are looking at both classroom and online versions.
Quidos annouce FREE CPD for the next RDSAP update.
As most assessors will know, RDSAP is being radically reformed for next April, in preperation for the Green Deal. This will require major re-training from assessors, but who is going to pay for that. Quidos have announced they won’t charge their members, lets see if the other schemes do the same.
Are Pinpoint Property reports about to go under?
There are reports that Pinpoint have had CCJs recorded against them, and that they are struggling to pay their bills. Assessors are advised that they should seek payment in advance before doing any work for them but this does show how difficult and competitive the business of Energy Assessments is.
MPs challenge Govt reforms of planning legislation.
A committee of MPs have questioned the changes to planning rules that the Govt want to bring in. The intention is that the default position will be always to agree to planning, but it is thought this could lead to expensive legal challenges that the LAs would stuggle to win.
Solar PV industry is in disarray, with many leaving the industry, due to FIT reductions.
Several suppliers have said they are leaving the PV industry, due to funding cuts that will result in job losses, more CO2 emissions, and higher profits for the utility suppliers who pay the FIT payments. This was seen as a political move by the Govt as they want to boost the new Green Deal scheme.
The Government slash FIT payments. Will this stop the solar PV industry in its tracks? Certainly many believe it will have a major impact on jobs, though the funding is from the utility suppliers.
The Govt have said that they are slashing the current level of funding for FITs,
the scheme that has lead to a boom in PV installs. It was always expected that
the rates would fall from the current levels next April, but they are intending
to reduce it to about 21p from December, leading to job cuts.