Solicitors warned not to sign up to on-line HIPS packages

A newly established Law Society taskforce has warned solicitors not to sign up to packages offering on-line preparation of Home Information Packs as the requirements for the packs are still being finalised.

The Law Society HIPS Task Force, comprising experienced conveyancing and property lawyers is jointly chaired by the Law Society President and will advise practitioners on how best to prepare for the implementation of HIPS, when they are introduced in 2007.

Kevin Martin, Law Society President, said:
ìThe final regulations for the packs will not be laid before Parliament until the autumn; and the Society is still engaged in discussions with the Office for the Deputy Prime Minister about the detail of them. It is too early at this stage for solicitors to buy into any IT packages offering on-line preparation of HIPS. As there are still a number of unresolved issues relating to the way the process will work, for example how the Home Condition Reports will be produced. ì

Paul Marsh, a member of the Task Force, said:

ìThe Task Force will issue recommendations for solicitor-led HIPs in the autumn and a series of seminars around the country to brief solicitors on all aspects including IT requirements are taking place. In the meantime, solicitors are advised to seek information through the HIP portal on the Law Society website.î

Kevin Martin said: ìMeanwhile, the Society will continue to ensure that a full pilot of the proposed HIPs is conducted in 2006 before any final decisions are taken by Government on the final HIPS scheme. It is essential to be sure that HIPS, will in fact, bring the benefits that the Government claims. But, if they do go ahead, the Society is committed to ensuring that solicitors are enabled to provide a full and speedy HIPS service to clients. The Societyís HIPS Taskforce will lead this work.î