“Research suggesting that half of all housing transactions are taking place without a completed HIP in place is simply not true. We have strong statistical evidence that compliance with the legislation is now running at over 95% and by working with local trading standards officers we are currently taking action to drive compliance from the remaining 5%.
“Further, there is an acceptance among trading standards officers that the clarity provided by 6th April regulation changes will allow them to now start issuing fining notices, where relevant.
“Grant Shapps has said that he is not suggesting people break the law and yet the tenor of his comments seem to almost incite agents to do just that. This is dangerous territory and estate agents are well advised not to jump on a non-existent bandwagon of non-compliance.
“We understand Grant Shapps to have said he is pragmatic and not dogmatic in his approach to housing matters - this needs to include HIPs. We look forward to working with Mr Shapps to demonstrate this is the case.”
