Why Quality Must Match Quantity in Housing

The Government has rightly committed to increasing the pace of house building, with a target of 1.5 million new homes by 2030. Increasing supply is clearly necessary, but speed must never come at the expense of quality. Families deserve safe, well-built homes, not properties riddled by faults and delays.

All plans will require appropriate and proportionate oversight. That is why I asked the Secretary of State whether the Government would use its powers under the Building Safety Act 2022 to make the New Homes Ombudsman a mandatory requirement for all developers.

As it stands, only around 60% of developers have voluntarily signed up to the Ombudsman scheme. For homebuyers, this is crucial. When something goes wrong, whether it’s safety concerns or unresolved defects, people need clear, independent protection. A mandatory ombudsman would help ensure consistent standards across the sector and give residents confidence that their concerns will be properly addressed.

Good housing is about far more than hitting targets. It’s about constructing places that people feel secure and proud to live in.

As the Government pushes forward with its housing targets, my Liberal Democrat colleagues and I will ensure that quality, safety, and accountability are built into every new home. I will continue to press Ministers so that residents across Newbury and West Berkshire are properly protected and getting the quality homes they deserve.