Government Claims HIPS Will Save You Money

The long awaited Introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPS) has been dogged with controversy , however one upside according to a government PR statement could be that Home buyers may get green grants worth hundreds of pounds to lower their fuel bills and make their homes greener as a result of the Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) that make up the pack.

Apparently most people are unaware that there are typical grants of £100 to £300 grants for cut price loft and cavity wall insulation. Were told the programme is expanding next year so even more home buyers will be able to benefit from hundreds of pounds off insulation.Measures recommended in the EPC could save the average consumer £300 a year off their fuel bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

The Government claim that with EPCs being introduced yesterday giving home buyers a home energy rating, the system will make it easier for consumers to get grants to make the improvements recommended in the certificates.

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said:

“Energy certificates have the potential to cut family fuel bills by hundreds of pounds. But it can still be a real hassle getting the work done. Most people don’t know these grants are available or don’t know how to apply for them. This means it should be much easier for home buyers to get help to cut their fuel bills and carbon emissions too. It could save hundreds of pounds on insulation and hundreds of pounds on their fuel bills too.”

So far it would seem that only the Government and Green Groups are in support of HIPS, most of us in the Industry remain sceptical about the true value and motive behind them . A snapshot of leading estate agents shows that most will offer a HIP for around £300 to £350 plus VAT , this alone creates a whole new VAT revenue stream. We mentioned earlier this week the potential for the information being used to increase council tax ratings and whether having an EPC makes it easier to navigate through the complexity of the grant system remains to be seen.

These issues are just the tip of the iceberg amongst the many critics of the system and we wait with baited breath to see what impact HIPS have.