<p><span>The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB), a new independent body established to champion quality new homes and better customer outcomes, has officially launched today (February 8). </span><span></span></p> <p><span>During the coming months the board, chaired by Natalie Elphicke MP OBE, will oversee the introduction of a new industry code of practice, the consultation on which it will also involve itself. It will also manage the appointment of a New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS) which will provide support to buyers should disputes occur. </span></p> <p><span>The NHQB consists of permanently appointed members including representatives from housebuilders, warranty providers, consumer bodies, the finance sector and independents, with a setup that means each body will have equal footing. </span></p> <p><span>The board explained that the new code of practice – the New Homes Code – was key to the new quality arrangements which would fill gaps in existing consumer protections. Under the Code, housebuilders will be expected to do much more to ensure quality and satisfaction, “from the sales process through to two years from when buyers move into their new home”. </span></p> <p><span>They will be required to have an effective complaints procedure in place, specifying timelines within which they will address any issues to the …