NHBC Welcomes Callcutt Review 22/11/07
Welcoming John Callcutt's report, Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC's Chief Executive says:
"I am particularly pleased that the report recognises the importance of NHBC's role in consumer protection, acknowledging its standard setting role, inspection regime and Buildmark warranty, which provide "a valuable assurance to homebuyers and has real commercial value for housebuilders." The report also highlights NHBC's "international reputation as a centre of excellence and authority".
"On the important issue of customer satisfaction, NHBC is spearheading the development of an OFT (Office of Fair Trading) compliant code for customer care. This code, due to be launched next year, will greatly add to homeowner confidence. Measurement of customer satisfaction through surveys will be an important part of the code regime. "We strongly agree with the need for sustained leadership on Zero Carbon. In order to ensure this work encompasses the important issue of customer satisfaction, this should take the form of an industry-led body, jointly financed by the public and private sectors. NHBC will be contributing to the scoping study being progressed by Paul King, chair of the UK Green Building Council in this area. "We note with interest John Callcutt's thoughts on "incorporating compliance with planning conditions, building regulations and warranty in a single scheme", and look forward to further discussions with CLG. However it is essential that any changes to the regulatory framework take account of the primary importance of maintaining high levels of consumer protection at a time of considerable change. "NHBC is ideally placed to help develop these recommendations and we look forward to being actively involved as they move forward."
