Hips roll-out to be delayed

Posted: 23 May 2007 10:56:06 GMT

The government yesterday announced that the national roll-out of Home Information Packs (Hips), initially planned for June 1st, is to be delayed until August 1st amid confusion over the inclusion of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

The government yesterday announced that the national roll-out of Home Information Packs (Hips), initially planned for June 1st, is to be delayed until August 1st amid confusion over the inclusion of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

Communities secretary Ruth Kelly made the announcement yesterday after a judge ruled that EPCs should not be included in Hips for the time being, following a legal challenge from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

Rics said it was concerned about the lack of consultation regarding the packs, in particular relating to the EPCs, which the government views as a crucial element to Hips.

Ms Kelly also said that Hips would be implemented in stages, with sales of homes with four or more bedrooms the first to require the packs.

Commenting on what it described as the government's "11th hour delay", the Council for Mortgage lenders criticised the government's confusion of the Hips and energy improvement issues.

"We support energy improvement measures," CML director general Michael Coogan said.

"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."

An estimated 17 per cent of owner-occupied homes have four or more bedrooms, meaning they will be immediately affected by the changes on August 1st.

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