Hips will launch this week

Home information packs (Hips) will be launched this week for properties with four bedrooms or more.

After much delay and changes, the gradual implementation of the Hips will start on 1st August and it is more than likely that by the end of the year Hips will apply to all properties coming onto the market, although the exact time scale has not yet been announced by the government.

Secretary of state for communities and local government Hazel Blears has spoken out to defend the packs, saying they will provide vital information for prospective house buyers on energy performance.

She said on BBC One's News 24 Sunday: "Having energy performance certificates actually will give people some more information about the standard of this house.

"People will be really quite pleased to know that this house has got a pretty good energy rating, that this house needs more work doing. I think it will give the buyers a lot more information about the kind of commitment they’re getting into."