RICS Scotland - Policy and Press

Scotland leads the world on climate change

Sarah Speirs — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:37:00 GMT

The Scottish Government have announced that they plan to cut emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, including emissions from international aviation and shipping. The Climate Change Bill also also sets an interim target for a 42 per cent cut in emissions by 2020.

Winning praise from the terminator himself, Arnlod Schwarzenegger, Govenor of California said, that Scotland's ambitious and comprehensive targets would encourage other nations to step up to the plate.

The Scottish Climate Change Bill has been passed by the Scottish parliament and detailed information on the bill can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/17-ClimateChange/index.htm

RICS Scotland meets with Cabinet Minister, Jim Murphy

Sarah Speirs — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:34:00 GMT

RICS Scotland, as part of a Construction and Housing Forum, met with Cabinet Minister for Scotland, Jim Murphy and MP Gordon Banks yesterday to debate the future of Scotland’s construction and housing industry.

The Forum discussed the future of the industry in Scotland and how the decisions taken by government and the banking institutions affect businesses. It was a useful meeting and the thoughts and concerns raised by the forum with the Minister will form part of a Cabinet briefing which will be delivered at its next meeting.

What did become apparent however is that there are some government back financial packages available to the construction industry, but that the government had not been very proactive in communicating the message. Of those representatives present in the audience, which comprised of other professional organisations, Homes for Scotland, Architects and construction practitioners and businesses, there was a patchy knowledge of what is available and how to access this information.

To find out the measures which have been out in place, please visit the Scottish Office website at: http://www.scotlandoffice.gov.uk/scotlandoffice/11787.html

RICS Scotland is keen to become more involved in finding solutions to the problems which our members in the construction industry face. If you would like to become involved in the debate, please contact Sarah Speirs at sspeirs@rics.org

Calman Commission Announces Findings

Sarah Speirs — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:10:00 GMT

The Calman Commission announced its findings yesterday. The Commission was set up ion 2007 to review Scottish devloution 10 years on. Amoungst its 24 radical recommendations is for Holyrood to take charge of half of the income tax collected in Scotland. The commission also mentions the transfer of stamp duty powers to Scotland. Currently, the SNP believes in a step approach to SD, very much in line with the views of the RICS.

To read all 24 recommendations, visit the Commission on Scottish Devolution website: http://www.commissiononscottishdevolution.org.uk/

Economic Recovery Package Announced

Sarah Speirs — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:06:00 GMT

Scottish households and business will benefit from a range of measures to help them through the recession, with an extra £31 million set to support new housing across Scotland. This was annouced yesterday by Finance Secretary, John Swinney. The Scottish Government has also published an update to its Economic Recovery Programme.

The new funding, consequentials from the UK budget, will focus on accelerating and sustaining investment in new housing developments for affordable rent across the country.

It will also unblock and kick-start private developments to help deliver homes for mid-market rent and low cost ownership and will support around 500 jobs in the Scottish economy. For more information, visit: www.scotland.gov.uk

RICS Regulation Roadshow Comes to Edinburgh

Sarah Speirs — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:23:00 GMT

A regulatory review and best practice event will be held in Edinburgh on 23 June at 2.00pm at the National Museum of Scotland. This free event is designed to assist all firms that hold clients' money. Cherry Leeder and Simba Muzarurwi of RICS Regulation will give the inside track on their exepriences of visiting firms who hold cleints' money. They wil also cover some of the burning issues facing firms in the current economic climate. Delegates will learn simple strategies which they can then implement to improve their business processes and enhance the service which they provide to clients.

To register for this event, pklease email rsadmin:rics.org or phone Jayne Whitland on 0207 695 1571 quoting refernece ED.

Consultation on transparency in professional fees

Sarah Speirs — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:56:00 GMT

The issue of transparency has been placed firmly in the public arena both in the financial and political world. However, transparency is a key concept for all professionals.

Over the last couple of years, a number of issues in relation to transparency of fee/commission payments in the residential and commercial property sector have been highlighted (by members, the public, through other consultation exercises and other organisations) and brought to the attention of RICS. The issues include:

Declaration of insurance remuneration and commissions.

Service charges in leasehold property.

Commission on letting renewals.

Commission on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

Valuation fees.

Arrangement of fees for security loan valuations.

Whilst there is anecdotal information that there may be unwelcome practice in these areas; what RICS wants to do is look at what is actually happening by inviting individuals and organisations to provide evidence around these issues. Equally, we know that there is a lot of good practice in these areas and RICS wants to identify and promote that good practice.

The first step in this process involved the publication of the consultation document – Transparency in professional fees. This consultation runs until 17 July 2009 and can be found at: www.rics.org/transparency

The next step is a series of stakeholder meetings to seek the views, evidence and input from members, the public, government and other professional bodies and interested organisations. A specific event for Scotland will be held on 9 July at the RICS Scotland office. Further information about the meeting can be obtained from Gail Hunter (ghunter@rics.org)

Septic Tank Owners - Avoid £74 before 31 May 2009

Neil Freshwater — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:09:00 GMT

Septic tank owners who have not yet registered with SEPA can do so for £1 until the end of May and avoid the usual £74 fee.

Since 1 April 2006, owners have been required by law to register their tanks. Failure to do so could prevent a sale.

RICS members' clients, particularly those in rural areas may be affected if not already registered, so now may be a good time to do so.

For more infmation visit http://www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/news/septic_tank_owners_save_money.aspx.

nfreshwater@rics.org

Draft Arbitration (Scotland) Bill

Neil Freshwater — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:59:00 GMT

This proposed legislation will consolidate the law relating to Arbitration in Scotland into a single act, making the application of the relevant law easier in Scotland.

Scottish Enterprise Minister Jim Mather hosted a "conversation" at the Scottish Parliament which brought together professionals and consumers groups involved with arbitration including RICS.

The Scottish Government is keen that the arbitration system in Scotland works well and is seen as an example througout the world. The Minister seemed to have no preconcieved ideas about the final bill (notwithstanding the draft) and was keen to learn how this would best work commercially at what the public would expect from the service.

A number of good ideas were put forward, including the notion of access to justice at a consumer level for small issues (not only construction) and the possibility of an arbitration centre (not something likely to be included in the early years however).

The draft Bill (which can be viewed at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/19-Arbitration/index.htm) will be handled by the Scottsh Parliament's, Economy, Energy and Tourism Commitee to which RICS Scotland has been asked to submit evidence. If you have any views on the Bill, please email Sarah Speirs (sspeirs@rics.org).

EPC Guidance

Neil Freshwater — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:13:00 GMT

Guidelines and a voluntary code of conduct are to be produced for the provision of EPCs in Scotland.

A very productive meeting took place on 24 April at the Scottish Government's Buidling Standards Division (BSD) in Livingston (formerly SBSA). It was attended by organisations who have entered into protocol agreements for the provision of EPCs in Scotland. RICS Scotland is one of these thirteen bodies.

Whilst each protocol organisations implements its own measures for the delivery of EPCs and regulations of its members, consensus was that a central set of guidance and voluntary code of conduct with minimum standards would be a useful benchmark for both the public and those involved in the delivery.

Drafts will published in due course.

European Parliament Elections 2009 - Question Time at RICS Scotland

Sarah Speirs — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:21:00 GMT

On 4 June, 72 Members of the European Parliament will be elected in the UK. Ahead of the elections, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Law Society of Scotland and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) will be on the road to bring members and candidates together for a series of evening debates on the key policy issues facing the European Union.

Send us your questions!

This is your opportunity to ask your candidates what they think the European Parliament should do during the next legislative term in order to ensure Europe’s sustainable economic growth. During the last five years, MEPs shaped legislation on issues including the provision of services, statutory audit and accounting standards, money laundering, environmental legislation and energy policy. What will they be dealing with in the next five years?

Question Time with the Professions provides you with a unique opportunity to find out what’s on the mind of your future MEPs – and to tell them about the pressing issues facing UK businesses today. It is also a chance to explore how the professions can work with the next Parliament to develop better policies and legislation for Europe.

Across the UK, panels of candidates from the main political parties will answer your questions on issues of concern to the accounting, legal and property professions. Panel debates will be structured so as to give you the chance to quiz candidates on what they propose to do to help -

· restore economic confidence

· embed sustainability

· enhance skills

· improve legislation

Drinks will be provided after the main panel session, allowing you to continue discussions more informally.

On the road

Question Time with the Professions in Edinburgh will be on 27 May 2009 at RICS Scotland, 9 Manor Place, Edinburgh and will be held between 6pm - 8pm.

Questions can be emailed to Sarah Speirs (sspeirs@rics.org)

Site Visit to RICS Scotland Award Winner

Sarah Speirs — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:34:00 GMT

RICS Scotland has arranged a site visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on the 14th May 2009. Kelvingrove won RICS Scotland's Building Conservation Award in 2008.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an imposing red sandstoned building, which was first opened in 901. In 2003 Glasgow City Council embarked on a three year, £27.9 million restoration project to return Kelvingrove's magnificent Victorian interior to its original splendour. The museum re-opened to an enthusiastic public in July 2006. The museum houses one of the finest civic collections in europe.

To find out more, or to book a place, please contact our Events Team at: www.rics.org/kelvingrovevisit.

Accreditation Scheme for Property Managers

Sarah Speirs — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:50:00 GMT

RICS Scotland has been invited to join a Scottish Government stakeholder group which will investigate the possibility of implementing a voluntary accreditation scheme for property managers. This is an extension of the government’s Housing Improvement Task Force (HITF), which was set up in 2001 to improve the quality of housing stock in Scotland. A recent government commissioned study by the OFT concluded that consumers who have cause for complaint do not feel that their complaints are adequately resolved and that they do not have easy or cheap avenues for detailed advice on the legal context and property management issues. Sarah Speirs will represent the views of RICS Scotland on the stakeholder group.

Guide to Money Laundering Legislation - Know the facts

Sarah Speirs — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:30:00 GMT

RICS Scotland has produced a quick fact guide to Money Laundering Legislation. This information, together with links to other RICS publications on this subject, can be found at: www.rics.org/moneylaundering

Employment Advice Update

Sarah Speirs — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:28:00 GMT

Following on form our recent Employment Advice day at RICS Scotland on 5 February 2009, we have now produced an employment advice section on the RICS Scotland website. This site can be accessed by visiting: www.rics.org/employmentadvice

Arbitration (Scotland) Bill

Sarah Speirs — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:21:00 GMT

RICS Scotland has been invited to provide written evidence on the Arbitration (Scotland) Bill. The Bill was introduced to parliament on 29 January 2009, by Kenny MacAskill, MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Justice. The main purpose of the Bill is to clarify, consolidate and extend Scottish arbitration law, provide a statutory framework for arbitrations, esnure fairness and impartiallity in the arbitrations process, minimise expense for parties involved and ensure that the process is efficient. If you have any views which you feel should be included in our submission, please email Sarah Speirs (sspeirs@rics.org) by 11 May 2009.