Govt 'lost nerve' over Hips

Posted: 03 Jan 2008 10:35:07 GMT

The government has been accused of losing "its nerve" over the introduction of Home information packs (Hips).

The government has been accused of losing "its nerve" over the introduction of Home information packs (Hips).

In a report by a committee of MPs the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is said to have delayed the introduction of Hips due to "poor preparation".

Hips were initially meant to be introduced for all properties in England and Wales from June 1st but at the last minute it was decided that a phased rollout would be best.

This led to properties with four or more bedrooms needing a Hip from August, while three-bed properties followed in September.

There was then a gap before the rollout continued to all properties in December and the report blames the government for a lack of energy assessors.

"There were not enough inspectors because [D]CLG first watered down and then repeatedly delayed the introduction of Hips," it stated.

Hips are now a mandatory part of the home-selling process for all properties in England and Wales.

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