Home Information Packs have been suspended with immediate effect pending primary legislation for a permanent abolition. CLG Secretary of State Eric Pickles said: “HIPs are history. This action will encourage sellers back into the market and help the market as a whole, and the economy recover.Housing minister Grant Shapps said: “This is a great example of how this new Government is getting straight down to work by cutting pointless red tape.”
They made the announcement this morning at a press conference held at Bullman Booth estate agents in Battersea, London, owned by Philip Bullman.
Many jobs – up to 10,000 has been estimated – will now be at immediate risk and specialist HIP providers will fold, unless they are able to diversify.
However, there is no doubt that most estate agents will greet the suspension with relief.
For AHIPP, there was a surprising acceptance, although it made it clear there are still battles ahead.
Director general Mike Ockenden said: “We want to work with the Government and we want the consultation we have been promised. We are not suggesting that HIPs should be retained. AHIPP has accepted that they will be scrapped.
