It was announced Cooper will take on a higher profile role, attending cabinet meetings when required.
Mike Ockenden, director-generall, AHIPP, said: “The Prime Minister’s decision, which will see Yvette Cooper remain in-charge of housing and as a result, the implementation of HIPs should be warmly welcomed by consumers, the environment and the industry. The continuity of keeping Ms Cooper in this role sends out a positive message for the future of HIPs and it is only right that Gordon Brown has seen fit to elevate her role as Housing Minister and with it, the prominence of future housing and planning issues on the Government’s agenda.
“Homebuyers and sellers across England and Wales should take this as a signal of reassurance that the benefits of HIPs will soon be delivered, commencing on 1 August with their introduction for properties with four bedrooms or more, closely followed by the phased implementation for all, smaller dwellings.
“We now look forward to working alongside all of the relevant industry members to ensure the smooth implementation of HIPs across England and Wales, for the benefit of long suffering consumer.”
