New Homes Ombudsman
In October 2018, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced the establishment of a New Homes Ombudsman. Legislation will be introduced that requires all new housing developers to belong to this watchdog which will ‘champion homebuyers, protect their interests and hold developers to account’.
In June 2018, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment published 'Better redress for homebuyers', setting out proposals for an ombudsman to help provide better redress for homebuyers who are dissatisfied.
The report proposed that the Ombudsman should be independent, free-to-use and should provide a swift resolution to disputes. It would be funded by a levy on housebuilders, increasing in size according to the size of the company. The report recommended that a code of practice be drawn up by government, warranty providers, housebuilders and consumer groups which could then be used by the Ombudsman to help them adjudicate on disputes.
The government said; ‘...house buyers should be confident that when they purchase a new home, they get the quality of build and finish they expected.’
Industry and consumer groups will be consulted in order to develop the proposals further before publication.
Tassos Kougionis, Principal Consultant – Residential, at BSRIA’s Sustainable Construction Group, said; “BSRIA is pleased with the government announcement of the creation of a New Homes Ombudsman. We always supported the introduction of a better, more efficient and robust consumer focused redress process regarding new homes’ quality which is now one step closer from being realised...BSRIA has also advocated that ‘prevention is better than a cure’ and that emphasis must also be given to the introduction of effective quality control routines preventing new homes’ quality issues arising in the first place along with greater transparency provided to the consumer in terms of housing insurance products and warrantees. As a member of the CIC Housing Panel we will ensure that such concerns are raised and heard.”
In February 2020, following a 3-month consultation, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick confirmed the creation of the New Homes Ombudsman, and new laws requiring that all developers belong to the Ombudsman. Ref https://www.gov.uk/government/news/housing-secretary-clamps-down-on-shoddy-housebuilders
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- All Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment.
- BSRIA response to New Homes Ombudsman.
- Building better homes faster.
- Empty housing in London - documentary.
- Home ownership.
- Housing shortage.
- Housing white paper 2017.
- New Homes Quality Board.
- Redfern review into the decline of homeownership.
Featured articles and news
Standard will help employers foster wellbeing and manage psychosocial risks.
The United Nations has approved the IFSS common principles
Global fire standards for safety of people and property.
An introduction to the 5 core principles of lean.
Civil engineers and environmental methods of construction
Can the profession use its skills to save the world from climate change?
How faulty science resulted in sanitation reform.
Conserving the Hilda Besse Building
Improving facilities, accessibility and overall appearance.
BSRIA IAQ topic guide published
Free download of TG 12/2021 available.
Electrotechincal mentors wanted
TESP works with The Youth Group to form skill sharing network.
OpenBuilt supply chain technology in development
Big tech collaborates on platform for the built environment.
Concerns raised over Future Buildings Standard
Letter signed by 21 organisations sent to MHCLG.
The infrastructure planning process
A look at the Government's strategic approach.
Steps to help reduce the spread of infection inside buildings.
Urban exploration and construction
This social media-centred hobby can be both dangerous and illegal.
Millwork wall treatment with a long and illustrious history.
Receive the Designing Buildings newsletter
Click the button to subscribe.