This is the sixth iteration of the protocol since it was initially launched in 2013.

The latest edition has been updated in light of a number of new legal amendments, including the building safety act and specifically the extended enforcement of planning and building regulations to 10 years in England.

This is an extension from four years for planning and 12 months for building regulations in England. However, this is still four years in Wales.
 
As a result, the technical protocol now includes amendments within its technical issues – Dealing with issues with extensions and alterations sections covering both planning permission and building regulations sections.

The protocol also now recommends conveyancers encourage the safety aspects of utilising both gas safety certificates and electrical test reports.

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Though not a mandatory requirement, the trade body commends the adoption for this protocol to all its members and conveyancers generally.

Beth Rudolf, director of delivery at The Conveyancing Association, said the last update to the protocol was two years ago and so it was time to update this in light of new regulations.

“As always, we try to be as exhaustive as possible with the technical protocol but the individual merits of each case need to be taken into account, and we accept that established working practices, system limitations and the instructions of the client or lender may prevent its adoption in full,” said Beth.
 
“With that said, we continue to commend the adoption of this, and our other protocols and guidance to our membership as an opportunity to improve client satisfaction, while reducing enquiries and administrative workload.

“We remain committed to reviewing our protocols regularly to ensure they are up to date and would urge all firms to download and integrate this latest version into their businesses.”