Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Utter chaos!!! ...piss-up / brewery anyone?
BBC: Home info packs 'to be delayed'
The introduction of controversial Home Information Packs is set to be delayed by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly.
Posted by tyrellcorporation @ 01:23 PM (211 views) Add Comment
49 Comments
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1. Debtbritain said...
One thing that the UK is good at, messing things up and being incompetent. What a joke this country is.
2. sovietuk said...
Anything that involves this stupid woman is a f**ck up. Her sole purpose in life is just to waste tax payers money on silly ill thought through schemes that are just a nuisance to everyone.
3. maddison said...
Personally I think Hips are a good idea...... BUT like everything they need to be thought through properly, standardised, easy to understand and implementable. If the governments excuse is not enough trained energy assesors then they are looking really stupid.
4. tyrellcorporation said...
Massive and sustained VI pressure gradually breaking spineless backs of our politicians. I reckon HIPs will be scrapped now or in the New Labour way just get re-branded and called SureHomeStart Packs or something equally as mindless and meaningless. Another huge waste of everyone's money and time. I despair!
5. dohousescrashinthewoods said...
The only thing worse than HIPS is saying you will, saying you won't, saying you'll do something a bit less onerous and then saying you'll wait a bit longer. Nothing could be worse for the market than all this "will they won't they".
Maybe the crash can be blamed on the "HIPS Hokey Cokey"!
6. waitingfor hpc said...
crap idea for the worst govt in history. Good ridance if they get rid of Hips - anyone who thinks they are a good idea is as barmy as this govt. When i buy a house i want my own survey done and will manage the purchase myself.
7. speculatorone said...
If we were so incompetent in our own jobs we would be sacked. WHY are they never held to account for their f@ck ups? You know what will happen now, she will be promoted.
This government make me sick. What worries me is they get back in and I have to see Sherk's (aka Crash Gordon) face on TV every minute.....
Sorry about rant.
8. royston said...
They've screwed up HIPS. They've screwed up the hiring scheme for doctors. They've created a monetary system in which rampant inflation goes undetected. Their foreign policy has made us one of the most hated nations on Earth. Doctors and policemen admit to fudging and faking in order to meet their Nanny-state targets. Students have to immerse themselves in debt in order to get an education. Criminals get ASBO certificates instead of custodial sentences. Our pensions have been stolen. Our gold reserves have been sold for a song. Few of us can afford to buy a home.
Somebody please remind me, why have we put these twats in change of our country?
9. royston said...
Oh, I forgot to mention Tax Credits!
10. royston said...
.............and the Child Support Agency debacle.
11. Waitingfor Hpc said...
dont forget the lies, the spin, the cash for honours, the sleeze......... wow what a record.
12. waitingfor hpc said...
dont forget the lies, the spin, the cash for honours, the sleeze......... wow what a record.
13. mrmickey said...
Don't worry we've got road pricing to look forward to next
14. Skint Academic said...
Just goes to show that this country has enough turkeys to vote in Christmas.
15. Seenitallbefore said...
Oh dear...what will Uncle Gordon do now in order to plug the funds that would have been raised via VAT on these ill thought out packs from the struggling masses having ever more stealth taxes thrown at them... Tsk..tsk...not a very good start to the run up of his preemier ship..what wth IR's on the rise too...
16. Houseoflords said...
Don't mention the war!
17. Orwell said...
So farewell then my Little Home Information Pack,
How shall you be remembered?
With ill?
Not as much as Mr. Raynsford MP,
Non Executive director of Hometrack will.
E J Thrib (17)
18. Mike said...
I didn't vote for this government, in fact I've never voted labour in my life.. However I have no sympathy for the 70% of voters who DID vote labour over 10 years ago... Grass is greener my arse. Not that thatchers goverment was any better... selling off the phones just before the internet explosion. Good one...
19. Orwell said...
So farewell then...
Watching Blair last night, it is tempting to be charitable. "He will be missed", "He had good intentions", "He had some successes". Indeed several fairly hard nosed commentators have been getting nearly as emotional as Blair himself- a positive chorus of E.J. Thribb-like commentary.
I, however, can not see it that way.
Blair's mistakes have been catastrophic:
"Ethical Foreign Policy"
Mishandling relations with the European Union
Wasting two pounds in every three spent on Health
Running up massive future debts in misconceived PPP deals
Running up massive future debts in misconceived PFI deals
Peter Mandelson as Trade Minister
The Millennium Dome
Freedom of Information Act farce
Jo Moore Affair
Estelle Morris
Failure to recognise that devolution applied to England as well as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Failure to budget properly for Olympic Games
Failure to budget properly for Infrastructure expenditure
School tables
Cheriegate
Betrayal of Robin Cook
Iraq
Alastair Campbell and lies
Centralisation of Power
Building houses in flood plains
David Kelly
David Blunkett
Ken Livingstone- first throwing him out, then letting him back into Labour
Iraq
Dodgy Dossier
Iraq
Hutton Whitewash
Iraq
Abu Graib, Guantanamo Bay and illegal and unconstitutional imprisonment in UK
Iraq
Lord Levy
Iraq
Peter Mandelson as EU Commissioner
Cash for Honours
Supercasino fiasco
Iraq
Iran seizes British Sailors and Marines
Iraq
Iraq
Iraq
Off set?
Not Much.
Perhaps giving independence to the Bank of England (in fact a Lib Dem policy opposed by Labour until 24 hours before they announced it)
There is something curiously unBritish about Blair's emotions. We don't usually go in for being emotional, indeed we are famous for not being emotional.
Blair has been some kind of exotic alien: an English Edinburgh Scotsman with Middle Class French who spent his earliest years in Australia. Perhaps this is why his engagement with foreigners, despite his disastrous foreign policy, has been more consistent than his engagement with domestic affairs.
In any event, we can only give vent to a sigh of relief: Perhaps Gordon Brown will be a Prime Minister who actually cares more about the domestic than the international.
We can only hope so.
20. Orwell said...
And so now to HIP's
LOL!
21. speculatorone said...
royston
............................you forgot one thing, you will also loose your teeth as they have made dental care a luxury only affordable by the middle classes.
22. talking rot said...
tyrellcorporation
Sorry old chap but I think you are wrong. Call me Japanese if you like but it was not incompetence which scuppered HIPS. I believe the Government were worried it could be the final straw that caused a House Price Crash. This Government is petrified about a House Price Crash. Not only would it loose a valuable source of tax revenue, but it would also loose it's reputation for economic competence AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, the "feel good" factor. The Tories struggled to generate a feel good factor when the economy started humming in the middle 1990s. It was called the "illusive" feel good factor. They couldn't generate the "feel good" factor and this became one of a number of reasons why John Major crashed in 1997.
I do not believe anything about this Government.
23. Woodyman said...
Sorry chaps, but this is one of biggest reasons for HPI, cheap foreign labour propping up the BTL scuzzers.... you can import 500,000 plus people and expect it not to have an effect. I have spoken to my estate agent in Cheltenham (see Cheltenhmski) and he says the influx of Polish workers has had a huge effect on the housing market here. Interest rates are just one factor. Take out johnny foreigner, and you will be left with lots of empty property at the lower end if the scale - but remember the lower end props up the top..... hey what do I know though, I'm obviously racist for even suggesting such a thing...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6679755.stm
24. Woodyman said...
Also...just put my flat on the market...I will update this site to let you know how much interest I am getting, how long it takes to sell etc.
25. iguana said...
Royston dear boy,
This lot can be blamed for much but NOT the CSA, that utter nonsense was the ba****d child of the Thatch era (or do I mean error?).
26. royston said...
Northern Ireland! - I know if I thought about it hard enough, I would be able to find a New Labour success. In my book, this qualifies them for a partial role in the Northern Ireland assembly, alongside Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness. It does not qualify them to govern Britain. In fact, they have well and truly proven that they are way out of their depth in the latter role.
Orwell, I'm afraid I don't agree you about BoE independence. This is a smokescreen. Brown directly controls the appointments of more than half the MPC. Characteristically, he has appointed like-minded yes-men. What 'success' has been attributed to UK monetary policy is really down to a lucky run for the global economy - a lucky run, that is, which is just coming to an end!
27. Pr said...
How exactly will the Tories be any better? Don't you guys remember what it was like living under then for 17yrs?! They need at least another term in opposition before the leadership can form a team worthy of government. This term reminds me of the one before Blair got in, when Labour lost and convinced itself to drop clause 4. Let em in next election and they'll think that they don't really have to make changes to their policies, and Brown really is more experienced than Cameron, does anybody remember that he was the 'mastermind' behind the recent reactionist, right wing tory election attempt?!?!
28. enuii said...
I think talking rots point may have more than a grain of truth to it, the last thing you do in a sinking ship is rock the boat.
29. This comment has been removed as it was found to be in breach of our Blog Policies.
30. royston said...
I agree that talking rot makes a very valid point about the 'feel-good' factor. However, IMHO it's a very precariously balanced feel-good factor. Look at it this way: if you had to pawn a cherished family heirloom, you would probably feel that things were pretty bad economically. Shouldn't we feel the same about pawning the family home? - not if we call it 'mortgage-equity withdrawal' rather than pawning! But it amounts to same thing. Now, if we realise that pawning the family home in this way is a bad idea, why do inflated price make us feel good? By keeping adult children at home? By looking at the frustration of adult children who can not afford a home and an adult life of their own? By being a young adult who can't afford an adult life of their own? Huge mortgages? Clearly not! ..........well, why then? Mass delusion?
31. Scott said...
If you want change, offer public support for the extremist parties like the BNP. This would really scare the government into taking action on all of their bad issues. It is not a crime to want better housing or safer streets, etc.
32. C'mon Correction said...
I don't even see that peace in Northern Ireland is a result of New Labour. Far more to do with the fall-out from 9/11 and the Americans realising they too were funding Terrorism.
33. royston said...
On reflection, I think the feel-good factor is down to mass delusion - the only way a property buyer can feel good about paying such crazy high prices as prevail today, is to look at even higher prices being paid by subsequent buyers. If that truly is the basis of our feel-good property economy, then we are definitely at a turning-point because we are almost out of first-time buyers. In other words, GAME OVER!
34. Trough2010 said...
No HIP's is actually good news. VI's won't be able to use the argument that HIP's will have caused the impending crash. That's one crossed off my list.
35. Orwell said...
Yvette Cooper today on Channel 4 News (22nd May 2007) makes me laugh. I do think she is quite sexy in a way but I do like women who are more intelligent. She said she pulled HIP's because she didn't want the Judicial Review proceedings hanging over the introduction.
What she is not telling Joe Public is that if this stage in the proceedings is passed then it does mean the proceedings have realistic prospects of success and I am quite sure that she did not want that at a main hearing. The Administrative Court uses the leave stage as a sifting process.
Now, the RICS I note have asked for the proceeding to be held early (what is known as expedited (within 7 days?)). That does spell trouble as it would give the HM Govt. two options, either they can pull the whole thing and if they choose to start again (subject to a second set of proceedings if they again fail to do the job properly) or they can fight on and (as the RICS will have the top Silk on this (I suspect David Pannick QC, without actually knowing yet)), then I know what choice I would make as David Pannick wins a very great proprtion of the cases he takes on. The problem then for this morally and intellectually bankrupt crew is burying bad news - what smokescreen can they use?
I cannot see these HIP's being introduced for some considerable time, possibly a year?
Watch this space !!!
36. p. doff said...
Back to the topic of HIPs. Many people in the business predicted either another government u-turn or a delay in implementation. It was blindingly obvious that there would be insufficient accredited energy assessors by June 1st. Many corporate surveying companies had lost the will to shell out thousands on training their staff after the previous u-turn on the Home Condition Report (which is now optional, despite government ministers earlier insistance that it was a done deal). There are, of course, many firms who hoped to take advantage and 'hit the ground running' on day one. For those, the gamble has not yet paid off.
The irony is that a large number of surveyors (me included) are already certified to do energy assessments, and have been doing these in conjunction with mortgage valuations for some time (where the lender requires it). Despite the previous training and certification, people like myself would still have to undergo more training (and expense) to obtain the accreditation to do the same thing in a HIP.
So we now have implementation deferred for a couple of months, and then only on houses with at least 4 bedrooms. I predict that we will find many 4 bed, 1 livingroom houses have become 3 bed, 1 livingroom + 1 study by August!!!
Incidentally, the provision of an energy report does not, by itself, do anything to address carbon emissions. So, is there a hidden enforcement agenda such as an increased council tax burden on less energy efficient homes? If so, this would have little impact on expensive or brand new energy efficient houses that those already on the property ladder can afford, but may significantly affect the older housing stock that the first time buyer might be obliged to favour.
Off topic again - it's a pity that this Government didn't have the gumption to do a u-turn on important issues mentioned in previous bloggs (like Iraq)
37. Cheekie Charlie said...
More delay, more press coverage, more time for the lemmings to cram their properties on the market, more interest rate rises, more repossesions, more global assets classes set to go pop! Hope my savings will be OK, Hope the pound doesn't crash, hope my endowment policy will not loose anymore value, hope my pension will be safe, hope I'll have a job at the end of all this!
38. Scott said...
Delaying HIPs may backfire. As many of you and myself think that interest rates will be higher in a few months, the economy will take a double hit.
39. nearly30 said...
Perhaps Ruth Kelly could be moved to the new post of Minister for F@ck-Ups! - with the brief of managing HIPs and Working Tax Credits?
What a bunch of ________ [add your own word] - they really like p*ssing about with people's lives.
Why don't people get sacked these days?
40. Pr said...
Scott, Voting the far right didn't help Germany during the 1930's, vote Green if you want to make a radical statement for progressive change, or monstor raving loony party if you want to take the p@£@. Vote BNP and the parties will just react by being more reactionary and nationalistic, considering that you will be giving the message that you want right wing policies, why do you think that voting for fascists will in any way get anybody any closer to cleaner streets?!
41. enuii said...
Just remember, anyone can be an MP and then presumably be a minister, there are very few ministers in the NeuLabour Govt that even come close to being competant especially the female ones. Most just do as they are told, make no judgement themselves and take the blame when required. Where have the real politicians gone, there are a few and they are not ministers, your country needs you!
42. Orwell said...
I agree 6 of the best for all the women MP's in Blurs cabinet....
43. Orwell said...
Still not much on which brief they used a tthe RICS...P.Doff over to you?
The RICS site is of some interest:
http://www.rics.org/AboutRICS/RICSProfessionalRegulationandConsumerProtection/pr_kelly_response220507.htm
44. Bearorbull said...
Er, Calling it utter chaos is a bit over the top.
As for the posts; ranting on about Labour's track record is embarrassing. Calling them the worst government ever, when all governments have gone on like this is truly ignorant. Especially trying to associate them with sleeze. Where you not cognizant during the 18 years of Tory rule that preceded this government? Sleezy scandal after sleezy scandal after sleezy scandal after incompetence, sleeze & incompetence. Probably too young.
45. george monsoon said...
and a smoking ban in public, next it will be no smoking in cars. Can you imagine the road rage when there is a traffic jam, and drivers are not allowed that little respite.!
How long before Joe public sticks the finger up to the government and refuses to take any more? I believe it is closer than we all imagine!
46. sovietuk said...
The latest is cameras in traffic warden hats. As if there wasn't enough cameras already. The BBC were gleefully reporting this morning in between going on about HIPs and houseprice increases. This is the worst government ever because it has distorted reality so much more than previous governments and made people think that they are wealthy when really they are becoming poorer by the day.
47. Orwell said...
Well it is actually Nigel Pleming QC and not David Pannick QC, although his CV is just as impressive if not more so check it out :
http://www.39essex.co.uk/documents/Nigel_Pleming_CVbw.pdf
And, Mr. Raynsford MP what of he? The man who is an executive director of Hometrack one of the major players in HIPS?
I don't for one minute think that he was paid to introduce the legislation as this is against Parliamentary Standards.
However it does beg the question that as this HM Govt. were so keen for those receiving overpaid Tax Credits, to pay them back do we think that Mr. Raynsford will have to pay his Director's Remuneration back?
I wonder how Mr. Raynsford voted on that Freedom of Information Bill to prevent their financial interests being disclosed?
48. chilli said...
HIPS sounds so nice in concept.
A pack that certifies the quality of a home from an independent source. A home being the most expensive purchase you will ever make.
It is spinless politicians who happen to be incompetent and who have more dreams than sense that screwed this up.
I have to admit, originally I was all for this, as it would improve the quality of all homes in general, and lower costs for everyone. Its all the extra rubbish they have added, and the really piss poor execution of government, that is the reason for this failing. This court ruling smacks of incompetence and spinelessness. They should rather delay the introduction, than come forward with a half measure.
All those who have studied have been left out in the cold. Will they trust the government again? All 520 of them... Yeah maybe the other 1480 were smart enough not to trust this gov in the first place.
And now that there is this additional burden on large homes, perhaps some might be persuaded not to invest in 4 bedroom homes? For 1000 quid for HIPs, maybe not. But placing some unfair burden on larger homes in a UK that is suffering from a house crisis..... well, this is what I've come to expect from this government.
49. royston said...
Bullorbear,
For the record, I had turned just as anti-Tory by the mid-1990s as I am anti-Labour right now. All governments end up spending too much time and energy defending their legacy rather than fixing current problems. That's where we are now with New Labour. So it's time to switch to the other lot of buffoons.