Home Information Packs Delayed until August 1st 2007
"We are proposing to withdraw the Home Information Pack regulations in order to clear the way for successful implementation of revised arrangements," she told parliament.
The packs, which would include legal documents and a certificate rating the property's energy efficiency, had been due for introduction on June 1. Kelly said they would now be required for houses with four or more bedrooms from August 1.
The delay is a surprising about-turn for the government, which has insisted HIPs will come into force in England and Wales on June 1 as planned.
The government's plan made it compulsory for people putting domestic properties on the market after that date to provide one of the packs, which would include legal documents and a certificate rating the property's energy efficiency.
The packs are designed to make home-buying more efficient, reduce the number of sales that fall through and encourage homeowners to reduce energy consumption. But they have met fierce opposition.
Critics complain about the expense of the packs, which are expected to cost several hundred pounds, and fear it will distort the housing market in the early days by reducing the number of houses for sale.
The packs were already watered down in July last year when the government delayed the inclusion of home condition reports in the packs -- the most expensive part of HIPs.