Home Information Packs (HIP)

Home Information Packs (HIPs) could be dropped before they are even introduced, after a backlash from MPs.
Commons leader Jack Straw announced yesterday that MPs will be able to vote on their future during a debate scheduled for 16 May.
The debate, led by the Conservatives means HIPs could be scrapped just days before they come into force on 1 June.
HIPs have been severely criticised in recent months by many housing and mortgage industry experts, who say they HIPs slow down the home moving process and put sellers off testing the market.
Charles Smailes, president of the National Association of Estate Agents, said: "Everybody in the industry, except HIP providers, is against HIPs but the Government hasn't listened to us.
"HIPs put the housing market in danger of slowing down. People won't put their houses on the market for fear they will not be able to sell them. We are urging the Government to go back to the drawing board and come up with a different scheme."