GOVERNMENT plans to introduce a seller's pack and other measures to speed up the homebuying process are still alive, estate agents in Kent have been told.

Jim Atkins, president of the National Association of Estate Agents, addressing members at their annual dinner at Ashford, said: "There are plans for a far reaching change in the way we buy and sell homes and, although not scheduled for this session of Parliament, we are confident they will be timetabled in during the lifetime of this Government.

"It is therefore important that all estate agents keep abreast of current developments and that they have a voice through ourselves and other professional bodies into the legislative process." Mr Atkins also talked about the increasing need for continuous professional development and training across the industry.

He said: "We are operating in challenging times. Not only is the whole regulatory and legislative environment within which we operate now much tighter, but new technologies are bringing in faster means of communications and marketing. Consumers are increasingly looking for guarantees of service in all aspects of life and we believe that professional training, together with recognised qualifications from professional bodies, can provide them with that confidence."