Code Advisory Forum Update

Last week saw our Advisory Forum convene to discuss the latest trends and changes affecting the new build home industry and codes of practice.

The agenda included a presentation from Emma Webster from the Elderly Accommodation Counsel who highlighted some of the challenges facing older people and their families as they look to find suitable accommodation, particularly for those with changing care needs. 

We also heard from the Code’s communications team about the free resources and information available for home builders, estate agents, solicitors, and home buyers and how to access them.

Code Chair, Noel Hunter, provided a timely update on the government’s new consultation on the buying and selling of homes. Although this largely focuses on the second-hand market, some of the proposals cover elements that are already in place for new homes as requirements of the Code, such as providing sufficient information upfront to enable informed buying decisions. The Code will submit a response to the consultation in due course. Noel also discussed the importance of different new homes codes working together to benefit consumers and improve access to support and redress which our Code is actively supporting, in collaboration with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute Approved Codes Scheme.

Chief Executive, Carol Brady, reported a drop in the number of disputes raised via the Code compared to the same period last year, and a reduction in non-compliance with adjudication decisions since launching the pilot charge in April. We will continue to monitor the impact of this new charge over the coming months.

The resulting discussions and contributions from Advisory Forum members provided useful insights which informed the Code’s Board meeting later in the day. 

Thanks again to all our Advisory Forum members for their valuable contributions to ensuring our Code remains fit for purpose and up to date with latest developments affecting home buyers and the home building industry