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The National House Building Council has given a cautious welcome to the government’s consultation on introducing a single housing ombudsman to cover the whole of the housing market.
The eight-week consultation has been launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
The ombudsman would cover social and private housing and, for the first time, both new homes and rented property. The CIOB backed calls for the ombudsman in January.
Currently there are four different complaints bodies in housing. The consultation will investigate ways of making a simpler and better complaints system as well as ensuring disputes are solved faster.
The MHCLG consultation will also look at whether builders should be included in the scheme, how to name and shame poor service and whether landlords should be forced to join a redress scheme.
The consultation, which will be open to all, including tenants, landlords, homeowners, and existing ombudsman schemes, will close on 18 April this year.
Housing secretary Sajid Javid said: “For too long, tenants and homeowners have navigated multiple complaints procedures to resolve disputes about everyday household repairs and maintenance.
“Fixing this housing crisis is about more than just building homes, it’s ensuring people have the answers available when something goes wrong.”
A spokesperson for the National House Building Council (NHBC) said: “NHBC welcomes the government’s plans to consult on the introduction of a single housing ombudsman.
“While the details will need to be worked through, including the role of existing ombudsman schemes and other consumer protection services, NHBC believes that the introduction of an Ombudsman could be a positive development for both consumers and the new homes industry.
“We look forward making a contribution to the consultation.”
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