Insurance News Archive
Public 'misled' over Home Info Packs
An industry body has accused the Conservative party of "scaremongering" and "vested interests" following its comments on Home Information Packs (Hips).
The advantages of the packs for consumers have been highlighted by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), which says the public needs more information.
Recent Conservative party claims about the cost and benefits of Hips have sent mixed messages to the public, says the association, which has urged the government to clarify the area.
AHIPP estimates that the cost of a pack will be about £700 and has emphasised that this cost is not new and may even go down as a result of market competition.
"It is up to the government to send out a clear message to the public, instead of allowing dissenters with their own vested interests to mislead the public," said the director general of AHIPP, Mike Ockenden.
He continued: "The recent allegations are incredibly irresponsible on the behalf of the Tories who are scaremongering for their own cause.
"Hips will strongly benefit the consumer and it's about time that this is recognised. The DCLG needs to add their voice to tell consumers of the benefits of a Hip," he added.
The contents of Hips which will become mandatory on June 1st 2007 will include the terms of sale, copies of planning and building regulation consents and approvals, copies of warranties and guarantees, a home condition report and an energy performance certificate.
21 Jun 2006
