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Home information packs under fire Home information packs under fire
(about 4 hours later)
A House of Lords committee has described the opposition to the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) as "striking" and "widespread".A House of Lords committee has described the opposition to the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) as "striking" and "widespread".
From 1 June house sellers in England and Wales must have a HIP containing title deeds, local searches and an energy performance certificate.From 1 June house sellers in England and Wales must have a HIP containing title deeds, local searches and an energy performance certificate.
Estate agency and legal bodies have told the government that they have not had enough time to prepare for HIPs.Estate agency and legal bodies have told the government that they have not had enough time to prepare for HIPs.
The Committee said the government must take this criticism "seriously".The Committee said the government must take this criticism "seriously".
"The comments which we have received from key stakeholder organisations in the housing market are striking in the strength of their criticisms," Lord Filkin, chairman of the Lords Select Committee on the Merits of Statutory Instruments, said."The comments which we have received from key stakeholder organisations in the housing market are striking in the strength of their criticisms," Lord Filkin, chairman of the Lords Select Committee on the Merits of Statutory Instruments, said.
Many thought that dropping the requirement to have a survey would mean that the whole Hip project would be shelved Q&A: Home Information PacksMany thought that dropping the requirement to have a survey would mean that the whole Hip project would be shelved Q&A: Home Information Packs
"Such comment may not invalidate the purposes of the regulations, but we believe that the government need to take such criticism seriously and to do more if the market is to respond seriously.""Such comment may not invalidate the purposes of the regulations, but we believe that the government need to take such criticism seriously and to do more if the market is to respond seriously."
He added that the Committee had "rarely seen such widespread opposition to proposals".He added that the Committee had "rarely seen such widespread opposition to proposals".
However, in response, Mike Ockenden, director general of the Association of Home Information Pack Providers said that the Committee had only spoken to opponents of the packs. In response, Housing Minister, Yvette Cooper, said it was ""unfortunate the Committee did not take evidence from environmental groups nor from industry groups who support HIPs".
"They did not seek evidence from us or other bodies which are looking forward to the introduction of HIPs. She added that the groups that did give evidence to the Committee had a "vested interest" and were "resistant to change."
"This report is both slanted and jaundiced. It is very frustrating for those who want to see HIPs a success," Mr Ockenden said. Ms Cooper added that HIPs would benefit consumers and the environment.
Likewise, Mike Ockenden, director general of the Association of Home Information Pack Providers said the Committee's report was "slanted and jaundiced.
CriticismCriticism
Chief amongst the criticism raised by housing industry and legal bodies is that there are too few qualified people to assess property for their energy performance.Chief amongst the criticism raised by housing industry and legal bodies is that there are too few qualified people to assess property for their energy performance.
Critics argue this could lead to delays in producing HIPs.Critics argue this could lead to delays in producing HIPs.
In addition, it has been argued that the packs will be of little use to homebuyers.In addition, it has been argued that the packs will be of little use to homebuyers.
PACKS WILL INCLUDE Evidence of titleCopies of planning, listed building or building regulations consentsA local searchGuarantees for any work on the propertyAn energy performance certificate. Last year, the government decided that HIPs would not have to contain a home condition report - a type of building survey.PACKS WILL INCLUDE Evidence of titleCopies of planning, listed building or building regulations consentsA local searchGuarantees for any work on the propertyAn energy performance certificate. Last year, the government decided that HIPs would not have to contain a home condition report - a type of building survey.
But the government and groups representing HIP providers have said that the introduction of the packs will go ahead on 1 June and that there is no shortage of qualified people to assess energy performance.But the government and groups representing HIP providers have said that the introduction of the packs will go ahead on 1 June and that there is no shortage of qualified people to assess energy performance.
The House of Lords Select Committee on the Merits of Statutory Instruments has been scrutinising the implementation of HIPs legislation over the past few weeks.The House of Lords Select Committee on the Merits of Statutory Instruments has been scrutinising the implementation of HIPs legislation over the past few weeks.
Previously, opposition parties have said that they would ask for a House of Lords debate on HIPs if the Committee's report proved to be critical.Previously, opposition parties have said that they would ask for a House of Lords debate on HIPs if the Committee's report proved to be critical.