Consumer groups angry at fiasco of Hips

Posted: 24 Jul 2006 17:08:51 GMT

The government's Home Information Packs (Hips) scheme has been attacked yet again, this time by consumer watchdog Which?.

Concerns are growing that the government has bowed to pressure from industry groups and estate agents to drop the programme.

Nick Stace from Which? stated: "Clearly your concern over misinformed headlines has led you to conclude that the industry interests should dominate."

The survey aspect of Hips would involve buyers being able to see information of a house without organising extra reports from estate agents and other external services.

However Tony Blair has: "If the Council of Mortgage Lenders, having consulted their members, say that won't be enough in order for people to get a mortgage because they will be asking for an additional report - of course it’s sensible to make it voluntary rather than mandatory."

Thus to the anger of many consumer organisations Hips will not have the power to enforce surveys.

David Cameron advised Mr Blair that he should, "mug up on this area because after all you are going to be moving house soon".

Many people are now choosing to sell their house privately and looking to avoid the contracts and estate agent surveys that will remain in place after the government climb-down.



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