The government has announced that home information packs (HIPs) will become mandatory from June 1 2007. On announcing the date housing minister Yvette Cooper said: “Too many sales fall through because of delays and late information, wasting money and causing great stress for buyers and sellers, that’s why we are introducing the packs. We have been working with all parts of industry on the detail and this timetable will give them time to fully prepare.” But Kevin Martin, President of the Law Society, said he was disappointed the government had ignored those who want to make sure the HIPs deliver benefits for the consumer. “We are surprised that the government has announced a firm date for the implementation of HIPs before a proper, full dry-run is conducted and evaluated. HIPs need to be tested rigorously before any final decisions are taken. The government has still not set up appropriate certification arrangements to regulate and control home condition reports and the home inspectors who produce them,” he said.