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These certificates are an integral part of the new Home Information Packs (HIPs) which came into force for the sale of houses with four or more bedrooms from 1st August.

Neath Port Talbot Home Inspection Services is a company set up by the council to offer a comprehensive home inspection service. It will be one of the largest home inspection companies in South Wales and will operate commercially throughout the region at no cost to the taxpayer.

The new company will have access to a team of over 20 surveyors who are all energy performance certificate accredited. It will provide a professional service and can offer piece of mind to sellers as all its surveyors have been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau.

The company also offers a fast turnaround, various payment options, flexible survey arrangements and home condition reports.

The pioneering venture fits in with the council's plan to help home owners play their part in tackling environmental problems such as climate change.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Derek Vaughan, said:

?I am delighted that the council has come up with such an innovative way to help people comply with the new requirements for home information packs.

?Selling a house can be a daunting experience and the new company will not only offer a comprehensive service, but will give customers peace of mind by guaranteeing that the people they let into their homes will be professionals whose credentials have been fully checked.

?It is also anticipated that the company will provide a new source of revenue for the county borough.?