Approved Code Scheme receives ministerial endorsement

Consumer Minister, Kate Dearden MP (pictured above), has publicly backed the role of the Chartered Trading Standards (CTSI) Approved Code Scheme (ACS) – of which the Consumer Code for Home Builders is a member – in helping to both raise standards for businesses and protect consumers.

The Minister made the comments at a Westminster reception organised by CTSI in partnership with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Consumer Protection. The ‘Moments that Matter’ event brought together experts in codes of practice, consumer protection and dispute resolution, to discuss how the Approved Code Scheme and ADR can be harnessed to help tackle the more than £70bn of harm consumers face each year due to poor service, rogue traders, and unresolved disputes.

Event speakers included:

• Kate Dearden MP
• Lord Lindsay, CTSI President and Chair of the Approved Code Scheme
• Broadcaster, Martyn James
• James South from the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR)
• Emma Cochrane from the Competition & Markets Authority

Our team was actively involved in the event, providing information and resources about our Code and engaging with MPs and other stakeholders on the day.

Noel Hunter, Code Chair, said:

“The ‘Moments that Matter event was a vital opportunity to demonstrate the impact of codes of practice across multiple industries and listen to MPs about the challenges their constituents face. It was encouraging to hear such strong support for the CTSI’s Approved Code Scheme which gives consumers extra confidence that member businesses are committed to high standards.

“We look forward to continuing the conversations started at the event as government looks to develop its plans to strengthen redress in the new homes market.”

The Approved Code Scheme is the UK’s only sector-wide code framework audited by Trading Standards. It offers government a proven, low-cost way to raise standards, protect consumers, and support economic growth — without new regulation.

The Consumer Code for Home Builders has been an Approved Code Scheme for nearly seven years. Our Code undergoes an independent Trading Standards audit each year to ensure we continue to drive higher levels of customer service and guarantee consumers free dispute resolution.

Buying a new home is one of the most significant – and often complex – purchases people make. Our Code sets clear requirements that help ensure consumers receive the right support throughout the purchasing process and after occupation, as well as free independent redress if disputes arise. As the first code of practice in the new build homes sector, we have also paved the way for other code schemes to develop, and worked collaboratively to create consistent levels of protection regardless of which code scheme a builder is a member of.