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Home seller packs 'to be delayed' Home seller packs to be delayed
(about 1 hour later)
The introduction of controversial Home Information Packs is set to be delayed by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly.The introduction of controversial Home Information Packs is set to be delayed by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly.
She will "update" MPs on the packs, due to be compulsory for anyone wanting to sell their home from 1 June. The packs had due to be compulsory for anyone selling their home from 1 June.
The packs, which include an energy efficiency report, have been criticised by the Conservatives and face a legal challenge from surveyors. The delay follows a legal challenge from surveyors which led to a judge proposing the energy efficiency element be left out "for the time being".
Critics say they will increase costs without cutting the number of home sales which fall through. The energy report had been an aspect of the packs stressed by ministers in the face of criticism the packs would cost sellers a lot, but not help buyers.
There have also been concerns that there are not enough people trained to carry out the environmental checks on properties. The legal challenge from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors was based on what they said was a lack of proper consultation on the packs.
Under the changes homes put up for sale in England and Wales must have a pack, costing at least £300, with title deeds and an energy performance certificate.
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. Q&A: Home Information PacksPACKS WILL INCLUDE Evidence of titleCopies of planning, listed building or building regulations consentsA local searchGuarantees for any work on the propertyAn energy performance certificate. Q&A: Home Information Packs
There have also been concerns that there are not enough people trained to carry out the environmental checks on properties.
Under the existing plans homes put up for sale in England and Wales must have a pack, costing at least £300, with title deeds and an energy performance certificate.
Energy performance certificates would give sellers and would-be buyers information on the property's energy efficiency, as well as tips on how the energy efficiency of the home could be improved.Energy performance certificates would give sellers and would-be buyers information on the property's energy efficiency, as well as tips on how the energy efficiency of the home could be improved.
They would also ensure that the UK complies with an EU directive which comes into force in 2009.They would also ensure that the UK complies with an EU directive which comes into force in 2009.
Lords
Shadow housing minister Michael Gove said: "The government's plans for HIPs are unravelling. Ministers must now acknowledge that they have botched this from beginning to end.Shadow housing minister Michael Gove said: "The government's plans for HIPs are unravelling. Ministers must now acknowledge that they have botched this from beginning to end.
"Now is the time to work with us in the interests of the housing market and combating climate change.""Now is the time to work with us in the interests of the housing market and combating climate change."
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has previously accused the Tories of hypocrisy in not voting to support the packs, which he said would help the environment. The Lords are due to debate the packs on Tuesday. A select committee has already urged the government to "seriously" consider the criticism it described as "striking" and "widespread".
HAVE YOUR SAY We have put our house on the market a month early simply to avoid the cost of these packs Laura Berbank, Medway Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY We have put our house on the market a month early simply to avoid the cost of these packs Laura Berbank, Medway Send us your comments
He said the Conservative had campaigned on a slogan of "vote blue, go green" yet failed to support government efforts to fight climate change.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has also sought a judicial review because the government had not consulted properly on the law.
Green
Jeremy Leaf from RICS said last week the packs would make it "more expensive and more difficult" for people to put their homes on the market, as well as being less "green" than they could be.Jeremy Leaf from RICS said last week the packs would make it "more expensive and more difficult" for people to put their homes on the market, as well as being less "green" than they could be.
Among its criticisms were that there was a lack of trained staff ready for the 1 June implementation and called for a delay of a few months.Among its criticisms were that there was a lack of trained staff ready for the 1 June implementation and called for a delay of a few months.
Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said 2,000 inspectors had already passed their exams, with another 3,000 in training.Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said 2,000 inspectors had already passed their exams, with another 3,000 in training.
Liberal Democrat local government spokesman Andrew Stunell said "government incompetence...had botched" the packs' introduction, but his party, like the Conservatives, still support the energy certificates.Liberal Democrat local government spokesman Andrew Stunell said "government incompetence...had botched" the packs' introduction, but his party, like the Conservatives, still support the energy certificates.
Environmental groups Friends of the Earth, WWF-UK and the Campaign to Protect Rural England want HiPs to go ahead because the energy certificates "can play an important role in tackling the UK's contribution to climate change, as well as saving homeowners money".Environmental groups Friends of the Earth, WWF-UK and the Campaign to Protect Rural England want HiPs to go ahead because the energy certificates "can play an important role in tackling the UK's contribution to climate change, as well as saving homeowners money".