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Protection for New Home Buyers
16 January 2020
Lead MP
Kate Green
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
EconomyHousing
Other Contributors: 3
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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
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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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.