Local authority searches are a crucial component of Home Information Packs (HIPs), which have become mandatory for all residential property put up for sale from December 2007. Since their introduction, concern is now being expressed within the organisations whom responsibility it is, to retrieve searches from local authorities. Prior to its launch, the National Association of Estate Agents and others spoke out highlighting the practical issues that would result.

With more properties requiring HIPs and the number of searches steadily increasing weekly, providers of HIPs are seeing more restrictions and delays. A review of the way local authority's searches are handled is now needed, in an effort to speed up the property buying process.

Providers of HIPs have claimed some institutions were making life difficult for the search companies, amid criticism that some dragged their heels. Others imposed restrictions on when providers can visit the offices, others have been limited to the number of searches they are allowed to do each day.

Also emerging from data compiled is the wide variation across the country, in the time it takes to complete a search. The best local authorities can provide it within hours, but the worst council can take up to two weeks. Charges also range from £40 up to £280. A campaign for councils to respond to search requests within 24 hours and charges to be more uniformed is seen as the way forward.

The Government had anticipated that the packs would speed up the UK house buying and selling process. The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), whom is responsible for the implementation, will have to come up with a decisive action.

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