Press Release Summary = The introduction of home information packs (Hips) has been delayed until August 1st, Ruth Kelly has confirmed in the House of Commons.
Press Release Body = Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Kelly also announced that under new proposals, only four-bedroom houses will be subject to the regulations come August 1st, with further implementation to be postponed until a later date.
This represents a remarkable 11th hour climb-down by the government, which had been adamant that the roll-out of Hips would go ahead despite mounting parliamentary pressure, the threat of legal action and sustained criticism from industry insiders.
However, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has insisted that Ms Kelly\'s announcement still falls short of requirements.
\"Today\'s hasty announcement marks the latest in a series of climb-downs and opportunistic amendments,\" CML director general Michael Coogan said.
\"This cannot be an appropriate way to make policy.
\"We support energy improvement measures. But, in our view, Hips are not a prerequisite for delivering the green agenda. With the fundamental lack of confidence that now exists in them, we urge the government to ditch the gold-plating and concentrate on better ways of delivering its objectives.\"
Julian King, director of the UK\'s leading property purchasing company, National Homebuyers adds: \"It\'s astounding that an entire industry had been created and practically demolished at the last minute.
\"Hips has already created waves in the property market, with thousands of people marketing their property prematurely, to avoid the fees they were expecting to pay.
\"We have had thousands contact us to purchase their house, as National Homebuyers does not require the vendor to provide a Hips pack. Although the Hips requirement has changed, I do not believe that we have seen the last amendment to the law.\"
National Homebuyers specialise in the fast purchase of properties across the UK, assisting vendors who need a quick sale of their home. Their website is www.nationalhomebuyers.co.uk/index.asp and can be contacted on 0870 979 8118.
Web Site = http://www.nationalhomebuyers.co.uk
Contact Details = Sterling House 20 Victoria Way Burgess Hill West Sussex RH15 9NF 0870 979 8118 Fax: 01444 257333 info@nationalhomebuyers.co.uk
2012
