The Government is to press ahead with plans to introduce a New Homes Ombudsman.

It responded to a consultation yesterday, saying all developers will need to be signed up to the redress scheme. However, it first needs to introduce legislation so it could be a while before an ombudsman is in place. There appears to be nothing to stop The Property Ombudsman from tendering for the role, adding to its powers.

The official response said administration of the scheme will be open to private providers but the Government also said it would consider using a public sector body or mandating that any organisation is not-for-profit.

It would be funded by a mix of methods, potentially charging on a pay-per-unit basis and through a pay-per-upheld complaint, the Government said.

Home buyers will be able to complain about the condition of their property within two years of their purchase and could receive up to £50,000 in redress.

This is double the maximum award that The Property Ombudsman can make.

The Ministry of Housing said the Ombudsman will step in to help home buyers with issues from sloppy brickwork to faulty wiring.

Where a complaint straddles different areas of the housing market and parties for a new build home, such as an estate agent, the  New Homes Ombudsman will have the ability to undertake joint investigations with other redress schemes.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP said: “It’s completely unacceptable that so many people struggle to get answers when they find issues with their dream new home.

“That’s why the Ombudsman will stop rogue developers getting away with shoddy building work and raise the game of house builders across the sector.

“Home buyers will be able to access help when they need it, so disputes can be resolved faster and people can get the compensation they deserve.”