Resounding ‘yes’ for Code and Ombudsman to become statutory at Parliamentary Roundtable

The Parliamentary Roundtable, hosted by the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) and chaired by Lord Best on 6 March 2024, brought together MPs from across parties and key industry leaders including representatives from: Barratt Developments, Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Fabian Society, Home Builders Federation (HBF), Home Group, and Redrow Homes.  

Both the roles and progress of the NHQC and the NHOS were discussed, including the levels of engagement by developers in driving-up quality standards, and how consumers have engaged with the Ombudsman to date.

Throughout the discussions, the need for all developers to commit to the NHQC and for consumers to have a single route to redress were highlighted as the most effective way to improve the quality of new homes and consumer protection.

NHQB Chair Rob Brighouse commented: “It is most encouraging to see a growing consensus amongst stakeholders, including housebuilders and policymakers, to enhance the customer experience for all those buying new homes by moving the New Homes Quality Code and New Homes Ombudsman Service onto a statutory footing. We stand ready to work with the government to achieve this and extend our reach across all housebuilders to ensure a consistently positive experience for those buying new homes.”

More information about the New Homes Quality Code