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17 May 2007
Issue: 7273 / Categories: Legal News , Property
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Surveyors and MPs escalate HIPs controversy

An 11th hour wave of opposition to home information packs (HIPs) was taking hold this week as MPs demanded that the controversial initiative be scrapped.

HIPs, which provide potential buyers with information about a house and an energy performance certificate, are due to come into force on 1 June.
Opponents question their benefit to the consumer and say they add between £300 and £500 to the cost of selling a home.

MPs were due to attend a Commons debate calling for the HIPs regulations to be annulled this week following the tabling of a motion by Conservative leader, David Cameron.

Meanwhile, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is bringing judicial review proceedings against the Department for Communities and Local Government for its alleged failure to properly consult before implementing legislation to bring in HIPs. RICS’ concerns include the lack of energy inspectors, regulation, and the impact of the scheme on the housing market.

Teresa Graham, chair of RICS’ regulatory board, says: “We have exhausted all the alternatives and greatly regret that we

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Clarke Willmott—Matthew Roach

Clarke Willmott—Matthew Roach

Partner joins commercial property team in Taunton office

Farrer & Co—Richard Lane

Farrer & Co—Richard Lane

Londstanding London firm appoints new senior partner

Bird & Bird—Sue McLean

Bird & Bird—Sue McLean

Commercial team in London welcomes technology specialist as partner

NEWS
What safeguards apply when trust corporations are appointed as deputy by the Court of Protection? 
Disputing parties are expected to take part in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), where this is suitable for their case. At what point, however, does refusing to participate cross the threshold of ‘unreasonable’ and attract adverse costs consequences?
When it comes to free legal advice, demand massively outweighs supply. 'Millions of people are excluded from access to justice as they don’t have anywhere to turn for free advice—or don’t know that they can ask for help,' Bhavini Bhatt, development director at the Access to Justice Foundation, writes in this week's NLJ
When an ex-couple is deciding who gets what in the divorce or civil partnership dissolution, when is it appropriate for a third party to intervene? David Burrows, NLJ columnist and solicitor advocate, considers this thorny issue in this week’s NLJ
NLJ's latest Charities Appeals Supplement has been published in this week’s issue
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