Further the our recent newsletter following the HIP Announcement at 3.30pm in the House of Commons, Conveyancing Network issue the following statement in response :-

"Tuesday's announcement is a disappointment to Conveyancing Network. We had everything in place and ready to go for 1st June, including our employed Domestic Energy Assessors and a guarantee from our overflow EPC suppliers. We were therefore in a very strong position, with sufficient capacity to cater for the needs of all our customers. We have been trading successfully without HIPs for over five years and will continue to do so, but for companies that have been relying on a HIP introduction on 1st June this 2 month delay could present some severe difficulties. At Conveyancing Network, although we are concerned that the Government is being very indecisive on the issue of HIPs and reacting at the last minute, we will continue to provide conveyancing services to all our new and existing customers. We will also be ready to go on 1st August, as we would have been on 1st June!"

In summary the main amendments announced yesterday are as follows:-

(i)	The expected start date of 1st June 2007 has been delayed until 1st August, 2007
(ii)	As from 1st August mandatory HIPs will only apply to properties of 4 bedrooms or larger
(iii)	it is proposed that this will be extended to smaller properties as soon as possible - although no date given
(iv)	Up until the end of 2007, those sellers that need a HIP are able to market their property on day one provided they have instructed a HIP to be carried out