Thackray Williams

Introduction of the packs has now been delayed to 1 August with the legislation applying initially to larger houses only (4+ bedrooms). A further compromise will allow homeowners to put their houses up for sale once they have commissioned Hips, rather than when they were received.

The packs were due to be compulsory for anyone selling their home from 1 June.

The delay is the result of a legal challenge from surveyors which led to a judge proposing the energy efficiency element be left out "for the time being".

The energy report had been an aspect of the packs stressed by ministers in the face of criticism the packs would cost sellers a lot, but not help buyers.

The legal challenge from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors was based on what they said was a lack of proper consultation on the packs and there have also been concerns that there are not enough people trained to carry out the environmental checks on properties.

Energy performance certificates would give sellers and would-be buyers information on the property's energy efficiency, as well as tips on how the energy efficiency of the home could be improved.

They would also ensure that the UK complies with an EU directive which comes into force in 2009.