NHBC response to HIPs delay announcement

NHBC, independent authority on new home construction in the UK, welcomed the announcement from Communities and Local Government Minister, Ruth Kelly, to delay the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs). Whilst NHBC has a HIP provision service in place it has expressed concerns that the wider market is not currently able to service the volumes of HIPs which have been suggested.

Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC Chief Executive, said: "We welcome the news from the Government that HIPs will not come into force until August 1, 2007. We have maintained the view that the introduction of HIPs could have serious and adverse consequences on the supply of homes for sale.

"With the currently insufficient numbers of qualified HIP providers we believe that the legislation needs to be phased in over a longer period so that consumers do not bear the brunt of problems in the implementation of this new policy."