CCHB retains independent Approved Code status for 8th consecutive year

The Consumer Code for Home Builders has been praised as a “mature and well-established consumer protection framework” with “a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, transparency and stakeholder engagement” in the 2026 independent audit by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Approved Code Scheme. The comprehensive audit concluded that the Code remains fit for purpose and compliant with the requirements of the CTSI Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.

Since joining the Approved Code Scheme in 2018, the Consumer Code for Home Builders (the Code) has been subject to stringent annual audits to ensure our scheme continues to provide high quality protection for consumers, robust processes for monitoring compliance, and access to an independent dispute resolution scheme. This year’s audit placed particular emphasis on assessing:

• The effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement activity
• Consumer complaints and dispute resolution outcomes
• Sanctions and escalation processes
• Continuous improvement and lessons learned
• Ongoing operational effectiveness of the scheme

As in previous audits, the Code was once again praised for its approach, with the report highlighting:

“Consumer protection remains clearly at the centre of the Code’s operational approach, governance arrangements and ongoing development”

“the Code continues to provide extensive guidance, training and support material to registered developers and associated stakeholders, together with the publication of lessons learned arising from audit activity and ADR decisions.”

Audit highlights

We were particularly pleased to read the recognition for our effective enforcement and sanctions regime which is essential if codes of practice are to have sufficient clout to make a difference to consumer protection:

“the Code continues to operate a credible enforcement and sanctions framework where non-compliance is identified. Sanctions available through the supporting warranty providers include the withholding of certificates of insurance together with suspension or removal from the relevant warranty scheme… Examples of escalation correspondence and removal action demonstrated that these measures continue to provide a strong incentive for compliance.”

The audit also recognised the Code’s strong emphasis on continuous improvement, transparency and stakeholder engagement, together with clear awareness of emerging consumer protection issues, legislative developments and changing market practices affecting the sector.

Code Chair, Noel Hunter OBE, said: “The annual CTSI Approved Code audits are thorough and demanding which is why we are delighted to once again have been praised for our approach to consumer protection, our robust compliance and sanctions regime, and our commitment to ongoing improvement. We are proud to be marking our eighth year as an Approved Code Scheme and will continue to strive for better outcomes for new build home buyers.”

The audit report concluded that the Consumer Code for Home Builders had demonstrated active monitoring arrangements, accessible dispute resolution processes, effective governance oversight and a credible sanctions and escalation framework where non-compliance is identified. The report did not identify any recommendations for improvement.

Read the full auditor’s report here: https://approvedcode.tradingstandards.uk/media/oqrp2wxo/final-audit-report-cchb-may-2026.pdf