HIPs get full roll-out

The controversial Home Information Pack (HIP) scheme is set to be rolled out for all properties across England and Wales from 14 December, the Government has announced. Housing minister Yvette Cooper said: “HIPs and EPCs are already helping consumers to save hundreds of pounds off their fuel bills and are cutting search costs too. All home buyers will be able to benefit from energy efficiency advice, with those receiving low green ratings of F and G especially targeted for support and grants to make improvements to cut their costs and carbon emissions.” Jeff Smith, chief executive of HIP Payment Services said: “Today’s announcement will be greeted with much enthusiasm and relief from the industry, which has been tirelessly campaigning for HIPs to be fully extended across the whole market since their extension to three bedroom homes back in September. With HIPs fully rolled out across the market, they will finally be able to bring about the many benefits they were initially designed to achieve; a faster, more transparent process which will aid a more informed buying decision.”