Home Information Packs delayed to August
22nd May 2007
The introduction of Home Information Packs is to be delayed until August when they will become compulsory for sales of four bedroom properties.
The packs were due to be compulsory for anyone selling their home from 1 June.
But Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly told MPs the packs would now be phased in, starting with sales of large homes. The delay comes after a judge, ruling on a legal challenge from surveyors, proposed leaving out the energy certificates "for the time being".
Ministers have increasingly used the energy report to justify the packs, as criticism mounted that they could cost sellers a lot, but not help buyers.
Ms Kelly said the delay meant the packs would include the energy element, which would help to cut carbon emissions by highlighting areas where energy efficiency in a property could be improved.
The legal challenge from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors was based on what they said was a lack of proper consultation on the packs.
There have also been concerns that there are not enough people trained to carry out the environmental checks on properties.
Ms Kelly confirmed that when she told MPs there were not going to be enough inspectors trained and accredited for the planned 1 June start date.
The plan is that homes put up for sale in England and Wales will have to have a pack, costing at least £300, with title deeds and an energy performance certificate.
Energy performance certificates would give sellers and would-be buyers information on the property's energy efficiency, as well as tips on how the energy efficiency of the home could be improved.
They would also ensure that the UK complies with an EU directive which comes into force in 2009.
Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6680131.stm