25/01/08 - NHBC Welcomes Appointment of New Housing Minister 25/01/08

NHBC, the UK's leading consumer protection body for new home construction, today welcomed the appointment of Caroline Flint MP as Housing Minister, with a continued seat at Cabinet, underlining the Government's commitment to keeping housing on the political agenda.

Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC Chief Executive, said: "The appointment of the new Housing Minister comes at a crucial time when we are facing some of the toughest challenges seen for decades with the zero carbon and housing growth targets set by Government.

"NHBC has been working closely with Government and industry to ensure that the needs of consumers are taken into account in the drive to zero carbon housing, and we welcome the opportunity to continue this important work with the new Minister."

ENDS

Notes to Editors: NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. It was established more than 70 years ago as a non-profit distributing company.  NHBC's primary purpose is to help raise standards in the new house-building industry and provide consumer protection for new house buyers.

NHBC's ten-year 'Buildmark' warranty covers more than 80% of homes built in the UK and has protected more than 6 million homes to date.

NHBC helps raise standards by:

• registering builders who agree to comply with NHBC's Rules and Standards
• setting and maintaining construction standards for new homes
• inspecting at key stages of construction
• providing 'Buildmark,' the most comprehensive warranty and insurance cover for homes in the UK
• offering building control services in England and Wales
• providing a range of services, including technical information, training, health and safety, engineering, energy rating services and home information pack and energy performance certificate provision for new homes and housing-related sectors