INTRODUCTION OF HOME INFORMATION PACKS

Early day motion 2240, tabled 23 May 2006 by Lord Gove (Conservative). Signed by 131 members.

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.

Signatures by party: Conservative 95, Liberal Democrat 20, Labour 11, DUP 4, Plaid Cymru 1.