Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Protection for New Home Buyers

16 January 2020 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Kate Green Lab Stretford and Urmston

Housing

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Kate Green raised concerns about protection for new home buyers in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Kate Green highlighted shoddy workmanship and lack of redress for homeowners due to developer non-compliance with regulations.
  • Minister Luke Hall committed to strengthening building safety regulations and improving redress services for new homebuyers.
  • Government plans include banning leasehold practices on new homes with zero ground rent and mandating redress scheme membership for freeholders without managing agents.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Kate Green Lab Stretford and Urmston

Kate Green highlighted the numerous examples of shoddy workmanship, lack of redress for homeowners, and dangerous building practices in her constituency. She mentioned several cases involving developers failing to comply with regulations and leaving properties unsafe. The MP emphasised the need for regulatory reform, including addressing warranty exclusions, conflict of interest in approved inspectors, company law issues aiding unscrupulous developers, and the importance of strengthening consumer protection against defects in new homes.

Other contributors (3)
  • Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Neston

    Madders highlighted difficulties homeowners face with warranty providers and called for reform.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Shannon questioned the role of banks in mortgage repayments when houses are not finished correctly.

  • Jeff Smith Labour Co-op Handsworth

    Smith suggested retaining a snagging fund governed by an independent team to fairly administer repairs for homeowners.

Government Response

Luke Hall

Minister Luke Hall acknowledged the issues raised and outlined Government plans to strengthen building safety regulations, improve redress services for new homebuyers, ban leasehold practices on new homes with zero ground rent, and introduce a mandatory membership of a redress scheme for freeholders who do not use managing agents. He committed to working collaboratively across government departments to ensure reforms are implemented effectively.

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