9
Oct
Government denies rumour that it is about to scrap HIPs
A rumour sweeping the industry that the Government is
poised to make a major announcement on HIPs has been denied by
Communities and Local Government.
Speculation is that an announcement will be made on November 1
and could result in HIPs being shelved.
It is understood that were such an announcement to be made, it
would be on the basis that it would be to test a temporary
suspension of HIPs on the housing market.
However, HIP providers – whilst bracing themselves for the
possibility – said yesterday they had always believed that if
there were to be such an announcement, its implementation would be
immediate and the Government would not allow rumour and
speculation, further damaging the housing market.
They also thought that if true, the Government would have
announced it at the Labour Party Conference, instead of leaving it
to the Tories to make their own announcement about scrapping HIPs
if they come to power.
Yesterday evening a CLG spokeswoman told Estate Agent Today:
“We know of no plans to abandon Home Information
Packs.”