HBF calls for abolition of Home Information Packs

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has called for the abolition of Home Information Packs (HIPs) to save jobs in the housebuildng industry.

The peak building body wants immediate action from the government to reduce the threat of the credit crunch on jobs and the UK economy.

HBF chief executive Stewart Baseley said a range of measures could reduce the pressure on housebuilders by opening up the market to buyers.

He said: ““Whilst we welcomed the £50bn special liquidity scheme announced by the Bank of England last month we believe more needs to be done to help first time buyers in particular,” he said.

“We have suggested a range of measures that we believe would assist. If action is not taken and taken quickly, in addition to the immediate threat to jobs then the Government’s long term housing targets are in jeopardy”.

The introduction of HIPs was delayed by the government again earlier this month because of the slowdown in the housing market.