<br>The Housing Bill finally received Royal Assent on November 19 following months of protracted to-ing and fro-ing between the Lords and Commons over its provisions, particularly the introduction of compulsory home information packs (HIPs). <p></p><p>The Lords had battled to make HIPs voluntary, but on November 16 they capitulated to the Commons, which had refused to accept Lords amendments. Government had promised to withdraw the Bill completely, rather than accept a "voluntary" policy on the packs, which will comprise information on terms of sale, standard searches and a home condition report. </p><p>The Act has major repercussions for the private housing sector, and introduces tighter regulation of private landlords as well as real estate agents. Housing minister Keith Hill said: "Home buyers and sellers will be able to look forward to long overdue reforms which will take some of the misery and frustration out of moving house." </p><p>But one of the most critical issues for private housebuilders is a provision which permits them to apply for social housing grant, which until now has been available only to registered social landlords. </p><p>"We are pleased that this element of the Housing Bill has received the support of the House," said Bellway spokesman Julian Kenyon. …