Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans his Department has to strengthen the rights of freeholders against developers on newbuild estates; and if he will make a statement.

It is vital that as housing supply increases, the quality of new build homes continues to improve. In our Housing White paper, published last year, we set out our ambition for a housing market that works for everyone. We expect all housing developers to deliver good quality housing, to deliver it on time, and to treat house buyers fairly.

The Government is clear that, where something goes wrong, house builders and warranty providers should fulfil their obligations to put this right. However, we know this is not always the case.

Currently there are four different providers of redress for the housing market, but not all provide complete coverage of the issues for new homes buyers. Membership to schemes for some groups is compulsory but not all and leaves gaps within the redress landscape.

The All Party Parliamentary Group report, 'More Homes, fewer complaints', published July 2016 made a number of recommendations on how we can strengthen consumer redress within the new homes market. We have been reviewing the recommendations within the report alongside listening to, and responding to, industry proposals for strengthening consumer redress.

At the National House-Building Council (NHBC) Conference in November 2016, the then Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government announced that we will be formally exploring the options for creation of a new single housing ombudsman. A single, transparent and accountable body with a remit that covers the whole of the housing sector. We have already started conversations with our stakeholders and aim for a wide consultation shortly.