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The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is asking members and other industry professionals for views on the current government consultation on strengthening consumer redress in the housing market.
The CIOB is looking for evidence from homebuyers or tenants who have made complaints about their properties, and has created a short survey which can be accessed here.
Although the government consultation is aimed chiefly at consumers who have used housing redress schemes, the Institute is keen to gather feedback on the issue as part of its ongoing research into quality concerns in homebuilding and across the wider industry.
The CIOB this month published the initial findings of its “call for evidence” on quality management in construction, which showed three-quarters of industry professionals believe current processes are inadequate. The Institute supports the appointment of a New Homes Ombudsman.
Eddie Tuttle, associate director for policy, research and public affairs at the CIOB, said: “We are delighted that the government is taking serious steps to strengthen consumer redress in the housing market.
“Purchasing a home is one of – if not the biggest – financial investments we will ever make, and it is only right that consumers should have the confidence to seek redress if defects are found.
“Customer care must be at the forefront of the industry’s mind, particularly as we seek to deliver not only quantity but quality in our built environment.”
The government consultation is seeking views on consumer redress in the housing market in England, and is considering improvements to existing services, filling gaps in redress, and the possibility of reconfiguring services in the future to better serve consumers.
Further information on the consultation and a link to the government survey can be found here.
The consultation ends on 16 April 2018.
