20 Jan 2023

New Homes Quality Board completes the first step in CTSI’s Consumer Code Approval Scheme

The New Homes Quality Code has been granted Stage 1 in the Chartered Trading Standards Institute’s (CTSI) Consumer Code Approval Scheme (CCAS).

This confirms the NHQB’s commitment to the reduction of consumer detriment and improving service standards in the housebuilding sector. Upon reaching the first stage, the NHQB is now welcome to apply to the final phase and become a fully CTSI-accredited Code of Practice. 

Over 170 developers are now registered and are working with the NHQB. The Consumer Code Approval scheme will refuel the confidence builders have within the NHQB to provide the best guidelines for quality new homes and better customer service.

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To achieve Stage 1 within the CCAS, codes of practice must meet the relevant core criteria laid out by the CTSI as its high standards are what make the scheme trustworthy for consumers. Achieving Stage 1 means a code must demonstrate its;

  • Organisational criteria
  • Preparation
  • Content of code
  • Handling of complaints
  • Monitoring of codes
  • Publicising codes

With almost 80,000 businesses now part of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) and more than £97 billion of consumer spending protected, CCAS continues to grow from strength to strength. CCAS was launched by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) in 2013 as a means of promoting consumer interests by setting out the principles of effective customer service and protection.

Leon Livermore, Chief Executive Officer at NHQB, said:

“Achieving the full Stage 1 approval in CTSI’s Consumer Code Approval Scheme marks a huge milestone for everyone at NHQB. The CCAS is the badge of distinction for consumer codes, which will allow developers from every size and consumers from every region to have more confidence when they see our logo. We are very much looking forward to applying for Stage 2 in the coming months.”