Committee publication · Correspondence · 15 July 2026
Letter from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy to the Chair dated 13 July 2026 concerning the quality of new-build homes
From: Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Inquiry: Housing Conditions in England
Summary
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Samantha Dixon responds to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee's inquiry into new-build home quality. The Government commits to delivering 1.5 million safe homes, introducing a statutory New Homes Ombudsman scheme, setting a 40% minimum accessibility standard (M4(2)), conducting a technical review of overheating standards, and streamlining regulatory change implementation to reduce industry uncertainty.
Key findings
- Government committed to delivering 1.5 million safe and decent homes over this Parliament with emphasis on quality design and necessary infrastructure.
- Statutory New Homes Ombudsman scheme with accompanying code of practice to be introduced to improve redress and sector behaviour; shared owners can currently access Housing Ombudsman support.
- National Planning Policy Framework consultation proposed 40% minimum M4(2) accessibility housing standard across new-build, with local flexibility to exceed; final approach under consideration following March 2026 consultation closure.
- Building Safety Regulator conducting full technical review of Part O overheating standards including assessment of weather files and climate change fitness; review scope includes proportionality assessment.
- Government exploring grouped implementation dates for future building regulatory changes to provide housebuilding sector greater certainty and reduce administration costs.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Florence Eshalomi, Samantha Dixon MBE MP, Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, Building Safety Regulator, Housing Ombudsman
Notable line
“The Government is also committed to ensuring the regulatory framework provides the clarity and certainty the sector needs, so industry can deliver safer, quality homes in the right places.”
Key Quotes
“This Government is committed to delivering 1.5 million safe and decent homes over this Parliament, to ensure people have access to quality housing.”
“The Government remains committed to introducing a statutory New Homes Ombudsman scheme and accompanying code of practice.”
“In relation to M4(2) housing, we also proposed a clear national minimum of 40% M4(2) housing over the course of the plan.”
“The technical review, conducted by the Building Safety Regulator, will be a detailed and rigorous assessment of Part O and the associated statutory guidance to ensure it is effective and proportionate …”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗