The UK Government has published its response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) housebuilding study, outlining measures to address key issues in the housing sector. Some of the main initiatives include:
- New Consumer Code and Ombudsman: A new consumer code for housebuilders will be introduced, alongside a New Homes Ombudsman service. This will give homeowners the power to challenge developers over poor-quality construction and inadequate service.
- Commitment to Housing Targets: The government reaffirmed its goal to deliver 1.5 million homes during this Parliament, including a significant increase in social and affordable housing, supported by the reinstatement of mandatory housing targets for local councils.
- Addressing ‘Fleecehold’ Estates: The government will look into tackling the problem of “fleecehold” estates, where homeowners are charged unfair fees by private estate managers. There will be increased transparency in costs and measures to allow homeowners to challenge unfair charges through tribunals.
- Improved Management of Private Estates: There will be a focus on ensuring private estates and their amenities are better managed, including guidance for residents’ management companies to handle responsibilities such as drainage and open spaces.
- Planning and Infrastructure Reforms: The government will advance reforms to the planning system, with a revised National Planning Policy Framework and a Planning and Infrastructure Bill aimed at modernizing the process and accelerating housebuilding and major infrastructure projects.
The government welcomed the CMA’s findings and committed to addressing the issues raised, aiming to improve transparency, accountability, and consumer protections within the housebuilding market.
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