Uncertainty over whether or not the Government will introduce a stamp duty suspension or deferment scheme has already slowed housing sales say estate agents.

Now Spencer Pitfield, Parliamentary candidate for Penistone and Stocksbridge, says the Prime Minister should use government powers to suspend HIPs.

Mr Pitfield said: "Twelve months on from their introduction, there is growing evidence that HIPs deter speculative sellers, increase transaction costs, discourage sellers from changing estate agent and reduce the number of housing transactions - all compounding the economic downturn. I believe that urgent action is needed to kick start the housing market in South Yorkshire. But the Labour Government is dithering - and their spin and speculation over stamp duty is further undermining the market by making buyers wait and see.

"Before Home Information Packs were introduced, Labour Ministers ignored warnings from experts and industry that this new red tape would harm the housing market and the economy. These warnings are coming true.

"Gordon Brown only wants to talk about housing to create a distraction from Labour leadership speculation. If he genuinely wanted to help, he would use his powers to suspend Home Information Packs straight away.

"A future Conservative Government will scrap this unnecessary red tape completely, but a suspension now will deliver those benefits sooner rather than later."

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