To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 3 July 2006, Official Report, column 754W, on the competent persons scheme, what delays have been caused to the competent persons scheme by the absence of officials; and if she will make a statement. (83713)

Seventeen new competent person schemes came into operation following the publication of the Building and Approved Inspectors (Amendment) Regulations 2006 on 6 April 2006.

There has been a delay in issuing authorisations for these schemes. Officials met the Competent Persons Forum on 11 July to discuss authorisations and will meet with those directly affected to seek to resolve the issues on Monday 17 July.