'The fall in the housing market has already resulted in the loss of some of Suffolk's respected Estate Agents. They, and Suffolk's home owners, deserve support from the Government not dithering and political posturing.'

David Ruffley MP has this week called on Gordon Brown to suspend Home Information Packs (HIPs) to help boost Suffolk's beleaguered housing market.

Twelve months on from the introduction of HIPs there is growing evidence that they deter speculative sellers, increase transaction costs and reduce the number of housing transactions.

Uncertainty is continuing over whether or not the Government will introduce a stamp duty suspension or deferment scheme.

David said:

'Suffolk needs urgent action to kick start the housing market. But Gordon Brown continues to dither- the speculation over stamp duty is further undermining the market and causing buyers to wait and see what happens.

'Before HIPs were introduced, the Government ignored warnings from experts that this new red tape would harm the housing market and the economy. These warnings have been proved correct.

'Gordon Brown may see the speculation over stamp duty as a distraction from the speculation over his leadership, however, if he genuinely wanted to help the housing market across the UK and here in Suffolk, he would suspend HIPs immediately.

'The fall in the housing market has already resulted in the loss of some of Suffolk's respected Estate Agents. They, and Suffolk's home owners, deserve support from the Government not dithering and political posturing.'