(584)  SELLERS’ SURVEYS DROPPED IN ENGLAND

 

Yvette Cooper, the Housing Minister for England & Wales, announced on 18 July 2006 that the Government would not be implementing its plan to compel house sellers to provide a Housing Information Pack (HIP) which included a Home Condition Report (HCR – seller’s survey by any other name).  Only an Energy Performance Certificate would be required.  The move was explained by a need to test further what an HCR should include, and by insufficient numbers of inspectors to carry out the reports.  The rule requiring HIPs is due to come into force in June 2007.  The Scottish Executive confirmed the following day that this move would have no effect on its own plans to implement the equivalent scheme in Scotland in March 2007 (for which see previously Nos 438, 443, 521).