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The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) today celebrates over five years of success with Alternative Dispute Resolution. The ADR regulations, launched in 2015, improve relations between consumers and traders by encouraging dispute resolution before going to court.

Over the past five years, £12.7 million has been recovered for consumers, and the next few years looks likely to provide further exciting growth for the scheme. 

Having an ADR scheme in place is one of the requirements set by the CCAS in approving Codes to join the scheme. The Consumer Code for Home Builders’ (CCHB) Independent Dispute Resolution Scheme – our ADR scheme – is an essential part of the work the CCHB does to support new home buyers and is approved by CCAS.

Sue Steward, Head of Client & Commissioning at CTSI which operates the scheme, said: “It is another proud year for CCAS, and our members and CCAS membership is good news for consumers. Only businesses who belong to a code sponsor can display the CTSI approved code logo. This logo means the business is reliable and trustworthy. 

“Consumers purchasing goods from code members have access to clear complaints and ADR procedures. Businesses are regularly audited and monitored to ensure they comply with the high standards set by their approved code of practice (code sponsor). The scheme provides peace of mind for consumers.

“Given the new challenges the pandemic places on the UK economy, we must support consumer confidence with structures that protect their interests. CCAS plays a vital role in that effort, and we will continue to strengthen our processes and increase our membership so that more consumers may be protected at an increasingly vulnerable time.”

Noel Hunter, Chairman of the Consumer Code for Home Builders, said: “We are proud to have had an independent alternative dispute resolution scheme in place for ten years, which is now free for home buyers to access. This, coupled with our proactive work with the industry to improve customer service standards, is making the process of buying a new-build home fairer and more transparent.”

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