Landscape & Urban Design Issue 15 2015 | Page 52

RPSA & SLC Recognise The INNS Code The Residential Property Surveyors (SLC) formally announced their recognition and reliable companies to remediate Association (RPSA) announced today that of the INNS code of practice. With the infested sites’. it has formally recognised the Invasive Non recognition of two key stakeholder sin Native Species (INNS) Code of Conduct for both the surveying and conveyancing companies engaged in the remediation markets, this shows the level of progress of invasive species such as Japanese which is being made by INNSA and the Knotweed, which was recently introduced hard work they are putting in to ensuring by the Invasive Non Native Specialists property professionals and consumers Association (INNSA). The INNS code have a body of trusted remediation aims to protect consumers and property companies and invasive weeds specialists Mike Clough, Chairman of INNSA said: ‘We professionals alike and is independently to turn to when knotweed and other non are delighted that the SLC and RPSA have regulated by the Property Codes native species are found at a property. both officially recognised the INNS Code Compliance Board (PCCB), with the redress mechanism provided by the Property Ombudsman. The PCCB will work with BASIS Registration Ltd in order to ensure that all technical and service provisions of the code are adhered to. Simon Law, Chairman of the SLC said: 'Invasive species such as Knotweed are of increasing concern for homebuyers and sellers due to the effect that they can have on a property and the relatively high cost of remediation. The INNS Code provides This announcement comes just weeks peace of mind to consumers and our after the Society of Licensed Conveyancers members that they are using reputable Alan Milstein, Chairman of RPSA said: ‘We are pleased to officially recognise the INNS Code and now encourage our members only to introduce their clients to companies that subscribe to the INNS Code.’ of Practice. We have been working on the Code for many months to ensure that it is fit for purpose. It will provide reassurance to consumers and businesses that they are using reliable and competent consultants and contractors to deal with their invasive species problems. We believe that it will quickly become the 'gold standard' for our industry’. The INNS Code is now open for companies to apply to subscribe, with the code available for viewing at www.pccb.org.uk. To subscribe to the code, or for further information, please call 0800 1300 485 or e-mail [email protected]. 52 Landscape & Urban Design Issue 15