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News Story

Shapps cuts red tape to mark HIPs second birthday

Wednesday 16th December 2009

(In which EAT’s very own reporter, Trevor Kent, files from the front line, or in this case a semi in north London, where the Tories have mounted what looks suspiciously like a publicity stunt. Here is our sleuth's inimitable report)

Apparently Home Information Packs were launched two years ago yesterday (seems longer doesn't it?) and to celebrate their second and also last (if the Conservatives win) birthday, shadow housing minister Grant Shapps decked a nice little semi in Meadow Drive, Hendon, with miles of red ribbon.

Christmas present it was not, the festive wrapping intended to represent the red tape of Labour's failed HIP policy, and Mr Shapps was there to rend it asunder for the assembled press.

A rather apprehensive David and Helen Wright, owners of said prop, u/o at £475,000 through local Kingsleys Estates (your reporter had guesstivalued it at £550,000 – way over as usual and I wasn’t even after the instructions), stood huddled in the porch clasping a copy of a Pack to their bosoms, probably for protection, as Grant strode purposefully towards them.

He had two weapons of choice to free the Wrights from their legally restrictive, useless yet expensive cocoon of tape – shears or bolt-cutters. He opted for the former (Mr Smith had probably supplied the latter – he’s a locksmith!) and, hey presto, the red satin fell to earth for all the world like faint rivulets of blood sucked straight from the hearts of the 1,754,492 home sellers who have suffered at the hands of Labour housing ministers in the last two years.

And bleed they should, as Grant reminded us that the failed policy had cost the public a staggering £782,668 a day.

The flow temporally stemmed, I asked Grant why we now appear to have to wait 100 days before he can give HIPs the surgery they so deserve, and how did he think agents will be able to comply with the law when virtually no HIP producers are left standing 24 hours after the election.

He was confident, however, that a possibly reduced number of suppliers would still see an opportunity for additional profit by remaining on active service until the last day of combat, and he pointed out that many would continue to do EPCs anyway.

In my opinion, for what it’s worth, HIPs will have to be temporally suspended on day one whilst consultations progress, otherwise chaos and widespread flouting will be the name of the game. How the hell can we delay marketing our clients’ homes when there are no HIP producers left to produce?

I just hope Surgeon-General Grant Shears doesn’t weaken the day after the battle is won and move to appease Herr A. Hippler by watering down these currently admirable and terminal plans. Reparations should not be considered under any circumstances.

Big T

Fearlessly going up garden paths where others fear to tread

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Posted By matthew on Wednesday 23rd December 2009 15:25:12

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not sure I would describe 'big t' as respected but that is just my opinion!! I wonder if anyone has spared a thought for the THOUSANDS of people who will loose theirs jobs when HIPs get scrapped......I wonder if 'big T' can find some amusing words to write about that!!

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Posted By PeeBee on Tuesday 22nd December 2009 16:17:55

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Brian Jarvis. Your opinion is noted. I have the following comments: firstly, I do not profess to "know" the size of anyone's bank balance - the post clearly stated I hazarded a guess. I stand by my comment. Secondly, I do not hide behind anything. I have a nickname, and use it on this site - simple as that. No different to the great majority of other posters. And, on that subject, if you use it - get it right! You do yourself no favours pontificating about childishness, by attempting to throw useless and juvenile insults into the ring. I find it most amusing that you have no such comments to make to 'Pee' - double standards there, BJ! But, then, you both obviously belong to the Dislike Trevor Kent and PeeBee Club. Where do you meet? Maybe I will tip along one day so you can face up to me like a man! Oh - nearly forgot. On the question of my brain size - probably not too dissimilar from yours. I just use mine...

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Posted By Brian Jarvis on Tuesday 22nd December 2009 13:44:38

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I agree with Pee but as ever Peebrain when we see your name, another inane useless post, how could you know the size of anyone’s bank balance you have not met, but me thinks we can guess the size of your brain! Why do you hide behind a child’s handle? could it be you embarrass yourself!

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Posted By PeeBee on Friday 18th December 2009 12:56:48

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Pee (not to be confused with myself, please, folks...) - you obviously do not appreciate the style and humour that makes Mr Kent what he is - one of the most quoted and respected figures in the industry. Assuming, Pee, that you are an Agent or in an associated business (actually, whatever trade you profess to belong to...), read, learn, emulate, and one day you might - just might - enjoy the degree of respect and success that Big T has built for himself. My guess is that his bank balance is bigger than yours... Speaks volumes.

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Posted By Pee on Thursday 17th December 2009 17:25:21

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Has any read that bore, could have been said in half the words and perhaps been more interesting than paint drying.

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Posted By Richard on Thursday 17th December 2009 17:23:10

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Clare- name the Hip companies converting to EA so we can all avoid them, why fund a new competitor?

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Posted By pedantic on Thursday 17th December 2009 13:07:31

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surely the 2nd anniversary should be 1st August when they became compulsory for 4 bed+ properties???

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Posted By wooden top on Thursday 17th December 2009 09:43:05

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oh come on, politicians are always pulling publicity stunts to get attention and that is exactly what it did and for the RIGHT reason. How anyone can put on a red badge in June after what they have done to everyone in this country for over 10 years beggars belief!

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Posted By Richard on Wednesday 16th December 2009 12:53:52

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Hi Trevor, your ok in my book it was Grant I was refering to.

I won't go into my opinion of HIPs, it's been talked to death, but I'm astonished at the ongoing unprofessional behaviour of Grant Shapps.

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Posted By Alan on Wednesday 16th December 2009 12:11:02

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I think Mr Shapps has been drinking too may SCHNAPPS

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Posted By Trevor Kent on Wednesday 16th December 2009 12:04:16

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Sorry Richard (first comment), I can only do my best! Big T

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Posted By Trevor Mealham INEA on Wednesday 16th December 2009 11:49:47

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We (INEA) found Grant the house for the photoshoot after he contacted us Friday. We support Grant's efforts to ending this barrier to selling

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Posted By Claire Fleming on Wednesday 16th December 2009 11:40:14

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Most local Hip companies I know are starting to prepare for the election by converting to Estate Agents and will offer a free hip to win market share. They will not just go away

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Posted By Richard on Wednesday 16th December 2009 11:37:21

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What a complete tool this chap is

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Editorial Contact Details - Rosalind Renshaw | rosalind.renshaw@estateagenttoday.co.uk | 01252 843 566.