INTRODUCTION OF HOME INFORMATION PACKS

Motion Text

That this House expresses concern over the introduction of home information packs from 2007; notes that industry experts have advised that home information packs will add up to £1,000 to the cost of buying an average home and duplicate the ongoing need for a valuation or structural survey; believes that they will discourage potential sellers from putting their homes on the market; notes that smaller solicitors and estate agents may be adversely affected; observes that the Government will benefit from a potential £110 million VAT windfall from the packs and that the Home Condition Register could be used to conduct a council tax revaluation by stealth; questions the lack of a proper dry run and whether sufficient home inspectors will be properly trained by 2007; and calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to push for their implementation to be delayed or cancelled in order to protect the stability of the housing market.