Home information packs

Plans to force homeowners to provide an information pack before selling their property were being debated in the Lords on Wednesday.

Conservative and Liberal Democrat peers were backing an amendment to the Housing Bill which would make the controversial packs voluntary.

However, ministers have warned that a voluntary scheme "would not work" since not all homeowners would be willing to pay the upfront £650 estimated costs.

Stakeholder Response: The Council of Mortgage Lenders

A spokesman for the Council of Mortgage Lenders said: "A voluntary scheme would add unnecessary cost and complication to the mortgage application process."

Stakeholder Response: The Traditional Housing Bureau

Barry Holmes, executive director of the THB, said: "The THB has responded with concern to suggestions by Tory peers that the home information pack, included as part of the Housing Bill, would not help the buying process.