The full roll out of Home Information Packs (HIPs) is dependent on an assessment of the state of the housing market, confirmed Iain Wright MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for housing and planning, at Tuesday's Association of Home Information Pack (AHIPP) annual conference. Mr Wright refused to be drawn on when the last commencement order will be laid and what the criteria are for making that decision.
Mike Ockenden, Director General of AHIPP, said: "The Minister's refusal to indicate the likely timing for full rollout of HIPs to one and two bedroom homes clearly angered many people in the audience. They felt very let down by the Government, and the implications of stalling on a full rollout are having a real impact on their livelihood."
Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs), Home Inspectors (HIs) and Pack Providers were united in the feedback to Mr Wright - there is no reason for any further delay. However, the audience was reassured by Government's commitment to reform the home buying and selling process and the vital role that HIPs will play in that reform. Mr Wright pledged to continue working with the industry to ensure that the full benefits of HIPs are delivered to consumers, making the process quicker, less stressful and ultimately less expensive.
