New Hips row erupts

A new row has emerged over the government's home information pack scheme (Hips) after a fresh pledge by the Conservatives to abolish it if they win the next election.

Following news that Hip provider Hip Facilities Group is closing to new business at the end of next month, shadow housing minister Grant Shapps said yesterday people should not invest in the packs or business dealing in them, 24dash reported.

He commented: "Given a Conservative government will scrap this red tape, investing in home information pack companies should now carry a health warning."

In response, director general the Association of Home Information Pack Providers Mike Ockenden said it was "astonishing" that Mr Shapps should offers such investment advice.

The packs will be a "routine part of the process" of buying and selling homes by the time any Conservative government gets into office, he added.

People wanting to acquire a home in a Hips-free process can do so through self build.