Government to delay HIPs

The Government has announced it will be implementing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Home Information Packs (HIPs) from 1 August instead of 1 June.

The Government will revise regulations and implement the following changes -

- HIPs and EPCs to start on August 1, implemented on a phased basis. From August 1 packs - including energy performance certificates - will be required for the sale of four bedroom properties and larger. These are the properties which are the most energy inefficient. The government will phase in packs for smaller properties as sufficient energy assessors become ready to start work.

- Until the end of the year, the government will allow people to market their properties as soon as they have commissioned a pack - rather than making them wait until they have received them.

- As a temporary measure, we will allow EPCs to be up to twelve months old when the property is put up for sale and will consult further on the long-term arrangements for the age of EPCs.

- The government will also be inviting councils and registered social landlords to work with us to introduce EPCs on a voluntary basis in social housing, for example at the time of stock transfers. The government will therefore lead the way in efforts to tackle climate change, whilst providing work for energy assessors in advance of the full implementation of HIPs and EPCs.

Towards the end of the year the government will assess the implementation of HIPs and consider what further steps might be needed to maximise the reduction in carbon emissions and drive forward the reform of home buying and selling.

This assessment will be informed by the operation of the market from 1 August; by the results of the area trials; and by a further consultation on the next steps in implementing HIPs and EPCs, which we will begin in the summer.

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said: "We are pleased we have reached an agreement with RICs and potentially avoided a lengthy court case and months of delays.

"The approach we have set-out preserves the principles of HIPs and EPCs, while ensuring a transition period for the people buying and selling their property. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity to make real progress towards cutting carbon emissions from our homes."

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said: "Energy ratings for homes will help cut carbon emissions and family fuel bills. Given the serious threat from climate change, it would not have been acceptable for energy certificates to be subject to long legal delays and uncertainty."