Home Information Packs scrapped

Home Information Packs have been scrapped by the Government to "cut pointless red tape strangling the housing market".

The HIPs cost people selling their homes about £200 and contained property information, title deeds, and local searches.

Those working in the property sales industry said it was "excellent news" that they had been abandoned, but about 3,000 home inspectors could lose their jobs.

The energy performance certificate, which costs about £60 and ranks the energy efficiency of a home with A to G ratings, will be retained. Home buyers will now have to pay for searches from local authorities.