Government consults on single ombudsman for entire housing market

The government has launched a consultation on whether to introduce a single housing ombudsman to cover the whole of the housing market.

There are currently more than four different complaints bodies covering the market, and the effectiveness of the existing complaints process will be examined as part of the consultation.

Launched by Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid, the consultation “will use people’s experiences to shape a simpler and better complaints system, so future disputes can be resolved faster and consumers can access compensation where it is owed”.

In addition to considering a single ombudsman, the consultation will also look at:

  • if homes builders should be required to join an ombudsman scheme
  • naming and shaming poor practice to help tackle the worst abuses

Sajid Javid said: “For too long, tenants and homeowners have navigated multiple complaints procedures to resolve disputes about everyday household repairs and maintenance.

“Fixing this housing crisis is about more than just building homes, it’s ensuring people have the answers available when something goes wrong.”