The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee says that the supply of new build homes is crucial, but they must be of good quality and fit for the future
In a letter to the housing minister, the committee makes several recommendations to help ensure the quality of new build homes, improve routes to redress for home buyers, and increase the number of accessible homes.
Florence Eshalomi MP, chair of the HCLG Committee, stated: “Boosting housing supply will play an important role in improving housing conditions overall.
“But the government needs to go further to ensure that new homes are of good quality and reflect the changing needs of our population, including homes that are adaptable and accessible, and of our climate.”
New build homes risk overheating due to climate change
The letter also expresses concern that new build homes do not sufficiently mitigate the risk of overheating.
The committee’s letter recommends that the government’s planned technical review in this area include a rigorous stress test to assess whether existing building regulations are sufficient for the higher temperatures the UK could be exposed to as a result of climate change.
“In our evidence, we heard concerns about the quality of new homes, including major defects and safety issues, as well as problems with damp and mould,” Eshalomi explained.
“We also heard the dissatisfaction and frustration homeowners feel when these issues are not dealt with effectively.”
Ongoing work to ensure good housing conditions in England
The committee’s letter to the Housing Minister is part of the committee’s ongoing work examining housing conditions in England.
It is undertaking a broad inquiry into housing conditions in England across a range of settings, including new build homes, the social housing and private rented sectors, and temporary accommodation.
Eshalomi concluded: “We hope the government will act on our recommendations to ensure homes are fit for the future and we look forward to questioning the Housing Minister as part of our condition of homes inquiry later this year.”
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