RICS goes legal on HIPS

The Home Information Pack (HIPS) drama took a new twist yesterday as the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) announced that it had commenced Judicial Review proceedings against the Department for Communities and Local Government for its failure to carry out proper consultation prior to implementing new legislation to bring in HIPs, which are due to come into effect on June 1.

Teresa Graham, who chairs the RICS’ Regulatory Board, said: “The RICS has not made the decision to commence Judicial Review proceedings lightly. We have exhausted all the alternatives and greatly regret that we were left with no other option if we are to protect the public's property interests."

The move came just 24 hours before HIPs are due to be debated in the House of Commons following criticism by a House of Lords committee amid continued opposition throughout large sections of the estate agency industry.