Implementation of HIPs will take place on June 1 after government defeats Conservatives in Commons vote

The government has won its battle to proceed with the implementation of Home Information Packs (HIPs) in June.

In the House of Commons the government won by 306 votes compared to 234 votes cast for the packs to be scrapped.

Energy certificate rating

The victory came after the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) announced yesterday that it was starting Judicial Review proceedings against the government.

This was a last ditch attempt to try and halt the implmentation.

Chairman of RICS’ Regulatory Board Teresa Graham said: “RICS has not made the decision to commence Judicial Review proceedings lightly. We regret that we were left with no other option if we are to protect the public's property interests."

The planned June 1 date for the introduction of HIPs will now go ahead. From this date all homes put up for sale in England and Wales must have a HIP and an energy performance certificate costing between £400 and £1000.

The conservatives argued in a debate prior to the vote that HIPs will increase costs and will not achieve any of the goals the government is promising such as cutting the number of transactions which fall through and encouraging people to be more energy efficient.

Commenting on the result of the vote RICS spokesperson Jeremy Leaf said: “The introduction of HIPS will have few benefits to the consumer and adversely affect the housing market and the wider economy. The Government should be brave and postpone their flawed plans for home buying reform.”