<p><span>The government has published details of the new homes ombudsman, as part of the draft version of its <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/901867/Draft_Building_Safety_Bill_Web.pdf?pk_campaign=newsletter_3704">Building Safety Bill</a> that it launched today (July 20).</span><span></span></p> <p><span>Under the the draft legislation on the new scheme, developers are required to become – and remain - members of the new homes ombudsman.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>Sanctions will be imposed if a developer breaches any requirements of the scheme. These include civil penalties and orders “prohibiting a person from carrying out any activities specified in such orders”.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>The draft clauses also state that “relevant owners” of new build homes can have complaints investigated and determined independently. But this can also apply to non-home owners.</span><span></span></p> <p>The Bill also allows the housing secretary to issue or approve a code of practice for the standards of conduct and quality expected under the scheme. The code must be published.<span></span></p> <p><span> </span>The draft Building Safety Bill will, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said, “<span><span>improve building and fire safety, so that people will be, and will feel, safer in their homes”.</span></span><span></span></p> <p><span>And the draft Bill will now be examined by a Parliamentary committee who will respond with feedback and recommendations before it is finalised. The Bill …