Are HIPs here to stay?

Stong rumours abound that HIPs are living on borrowed time. If there is a change of government at the next election their usage is certainly under threat. This would be a shame. HIPs have been in place for nearly three years now and are perceived by many as a step in the right direction. The more information that is available up front in the home buying process, the more transparent it becomes, removing tension, the possibility of breakdown and not least cost at later stages of the sale. As HIP providers we clearly have a vested interest in this point of view, but as a home buyer / seller I have to agree with the sentiment.