Slipped HIP

It appears that faced with a legal challenge from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors the Government might be about to postpone the introduction of the HIP (due on 1 June). Apparently a judge ruling on a legal challenge from surveyors, proposed leaving out the energy certificates "for the time being".

This policy has been ill thought out even by the low standards of this government and I see from the BBC report that finally the root cause of the policy has been fingered - "They would also ensure that the UK complies with an EU directive which comes into force in 2009." Just as with the policy to close rural Post Offices (article to follow), the EU is the instigator.

UPDATE... HIPs will be brought in on 1 August for four bedroom properties (or larger). It's OK, only rich folk will be hit by this tax and they have enough money! No mention of what extra consultations will take place, mybe this is a delay so there are close to enough inspectors trained. This Government... Does anyone know where I can find someone to arrange a drinks party at a beer manufacturing facility?