Government backs SAFEagent scheme in new strategy

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01st December 2011

Government backs SAFEagent scheme in new strategy

It was launched only this year, but SAFEagent has already made tremendous strides – and is mentioned in the Government’s new housing strategy, published this week.

In an unequivocal endorsement, the section on the private rented sector says: “Industry also has a key role to play in driving up standards and improving consumer awareness.

“Many consumers, both landlords and tenants, do not realise the importance of choosing a lettings agency with client money protection in place. This ensures that their money is safe if, for example, the agent goes out of business.

“The SAFE Agent scheme promotes consumer awareness of the issue and helps them to identify agents with protection, through the SAFE Agent badge.

“It shows how much can be achieved quickly and cheaply through simple and effective ideas driven by industry not the Government.”

The Government has supported SAFE agent since its official launch in early September and Martin & Co were an early supporter of the scheme. Housing minister Grant Shapps has encouraged all lettings and management agents to sign up to the kitemark and has published leaflets encouraging landlords and tenants to use SAFE agents.

John Midgley, chair of the SAFEagent Steering Group, said: “This is a fantastic endorsement of SAFEagent and we welcome Grant Shapps’ early and continued support.

“We’re delighted that the Government recognises that the industry can generate and implement proactive, innovative ideas which are in the interest of the consumer rather than relying on imposed regulations which would lead to further red tape and cost.

“SAFE agent is a simple and sensible approach to raising consumer awareness of Client Money Protection and it’s one that is working.

“To date, there have been over 1,600 sign-ups to SAFE agent. We would invite any letting agents who haven’t signed up yet to do so and really make a difference to the sector.”

In addition to Government support, key organisations including Shelter, NUS, Trading Standards Institute, Council of Mortgage Lenders, Residential Landlords Association, the Property Ombudsman and the British Property Federation have all allied themselves to SAFE agent.