Insurance News Archive

Hips providers stick with HCRs

Providers of Home Information Packs (Hips) are to carry on giving Home Condition Reports (HCRs).

The controversial element of the Hip was last week dropped by the government so that it lost its mandatory status and became optional.

However, the Association of Hips Providers (AHIPP) has spoken out in favour of HCRs.

The body claims that once HCRs have been tested with Hips, their value will be demonstrated and the government may be forced to make a policy u-turn and restore them.

AHIPP director general Mike Ockenden said: "We still believe that the HCR should become mandatory as soon as the dry run proves their worth which it will.

"HCRs offer huge benefits for consumers and form a vital element of the Hip."

He added: "Reassurance must now be offered by the government to the industry, and in particular the thousands of individuals currently undertaking training to become home inspectors, to ensure continued confidence.

"Industry was ready to produce full HIPs from 1st June 2007 and we want to get this reform back on track."

Housing and planning minister Yvette Cooper last week warned that mandatory HCRs could be introduced at a later date.

She said: "Mandatory HCRs will remain on the table if the industry fails to make a success of the roll out of HCRs."

24 Jul 2006