FOLLOWING Labour's climb-down over Home Information Packs (HIP) local MP Alan Whitehead was reported as saying he was "comfortable with the decision'' (Echo report 22 May). If so he shouldn't be!
Last week, ministers asserted there were 1,100 accredited energy inspectors; by Tuesday, the figure had fallen to 520.
Ministers have pledged to consult on revised HIPs provisions, yet Government guidance says consultations should take 12 weeks. How can revised regulations be ratified and implemented by August 1?
The lack of consultation could in itself give rise to a further legal challenge.
In Southampton, trading standards officers will be given the burden of assessing whether a property has four or more bedrooms which will require a HIP from August 1; yet they have already complained that they will not be able to enforce this regulation effectively. The Labour Government's handling of Home Information Packs has been a complete shambles from start to finish.
The current fiasco is not good for the stability of the housing market or the attempts to tackle climate change.
Matthew Dean, Southampton.
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