§ Huw Irranca-DaviesTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the nature of representations received in the last 12 months in respect of the Buildmark warranty scheme; and what major areas of concern were expressed in these representations. [132514]
§ Phil HopeI refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 6 October 2003,Official Report, column 1025W.
The matters raised included instances where defects in homes were not detected, where claims fell outside the terms of the cover and where the resolution service offered under the scheme was unable to settle a dispute between the owner and the builder, or did so only after some delay. The number of cases brought to the attention of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is small, bearing in mind that, at any one time, there are approximately 1.5 million homes covered by the scheme. However, any instance where defects come to light in a new home after hand over, or where appropriate remedial work is not carried out promptly, is regrettable. The house building industry must work for continuous improvement in quality of construction. The Buildmark scheme is helping them to do this.