Home information packs defended

Posted: 18 Apr 2007 10:31:24 GMT

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (Ahipp) has hit back at what it sees as scaremongering over the introduction of the scheme on a mandatory nationwide basis in June.

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (Ahipp) has hit back at what it sees as scaremongering over the introduction of the scheme on a mandatory nationwide basis in June.

Ahipp Deputy Director Paul Broadhead told Landlord Expert that rumours there would not be enough assessors to monitor and enforce the environmental impact area of the scheme were "totally unsubstantiated" as the current training courses for inspectors were "bulging at the seams".

He added: "Under no circumstances will we not have enough energy assessors."

It has also been claimed that many householders will be charged high fees for Hips, with a recent Daily Telegraph article claiming some would accept a £200 fine for not having the packs rather than pay up to £1,000.

Mr Broadhead attacked these claims, arguing that market competition would keep prices down.

He said: "They are nothing more than an irresponsible attempt by those who oppose Hips to scare consumers and impair this much needed reform of the house buying and selling process for their own or political gain."

This week, eConveyancer announced that it would be making Hips available for a price of £225, Firtsrung reported.


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