The future of the much-maligned HIP scheme has been all but guaranteed...

The announcement today that Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing and Planning will continue with her role, but taking on a much higher profile and attending cabinet meetings when required, has been heralded as great news for the future of Home Information Packs (HIPs), by the industry.

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) and its members have declared their delight in Brown’s latest decision, which will see Ms Cooper continue to preside over the introduction of HIPs, ensuring the future success of this vital reform.

Mike Ockenden, Director General, AHIPP said: “The Prime Minister’s decision, which will see Yvette Cooper remain in-charge of housing and as a result, the implementation of HIPs should be warmly welcomed by consumers, the environment and the industry.

Positive Message

“The continuity of keeping Ms Cooper in this role sends out a positive message for the future of HIPs and it is only right that Gordon Brown has seen fit to elevate her role as Housing Minister and with it, the prominence of future housing and planning issues on the Government’s agenda.

“Homebuyers and sellers across England and Wales should take this as a signal of reassurance that the benefits of HIPs will soon be delivered, commencing on 1^st August with their introduction for properties with four bedrooms or more, closely followed by the phased implementation for all, smaller dwellings.

“Today is a very positive day for the HIPs industry and we now look forward to working alongside all of the relevant industry members to ensure the smooth implementation of HIPs across England and Wales, for the benefit of long suffering consumer.”

Source: AHIPP