The Approved Code Scheme is operated by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute
Welcome to our News and Policy pages. Here you'll find consumer news items, articles and press releases about the Approved Code Scheme, the various Sectors covered by the Scheme, and other consumer protection issues. You'll also find details of any policy or public information campaigns that the Approved Code Scheme - or our sector-specific Code Sponsors - are involved with. And our Consultation Resposes to proposed consumer protection legislation.
Media Enquiries? The Approved Code Scheme - including both the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and all of our Code Sponsor organisations - can provide expert opinion, comments and spokespeople on a wide range of consumer protection topics. If you have a story you believe we should get involved with, please call our Press Office on 01268 582240 or 07811244602, or email us: [email protected]
02 February 2026: The Consumer Code for Home Builders has today (Monday 2 Feb) launched the New Home Buyers’ Pack – a guide to buying a new-build home.
19 December 2025: Marking 15 years as Chair of the Consumer Code for Home Builders, Noel Hunter OBE, reflects the success of operating the Code to help improve consumer protection
18 December 2025: The festive season should be joyful, but with so much going on at once, things can get a bit fraught, especially when you’re also buying or building a new home. To help keep your Christmas more ‘happy holiday’ than ‘bah humbug’, here are five practical tips to keep in mind.
27 October 2025: The recently appointed Consumer Minister, Kate Dearden MP, today publicly backed the role of the Chartered Trading Standards (CTSI) Approved Code Scheme (ACS) in helping to both raise standards for business and protect consumers.
10 September 2025: The Consumer Code for Home Builders marks its 15th year with record consumer claims, showing greater awareness of protections, while overall satisfaction in new homes has risen to 94% recommending their builder. Over its lifetime, the Code has boosted standards, handled nearly 1,800 claims, and strengthened consumer confidence in the industry.
21 August 2025: The 2024 Annual Report is now live, highlighting how the scheme continues to raise standards and deliver stronger protections for consumers. This year’s key milestones include recovering over £2 million for consumers through Alternative Dispute Resolution, welcoming new Code Sponsors and launching a refreshed brand identity with a new dedicated website.
02 July 2025: The Consumer Code for Home Builders shares some top tips ahead of summer with advice on what to look for in your next home and how to protect yourself when purchasing a new home.
06 June 2025: The Approved Code Scheme (ACS) is pleased to announce Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO) as the next Code Sponsor, after successfully passing the necessary stages and completing rigorous checks.
11 April 2025: A new guidance pack from the Consumer Code for Home Builders (CCHB) is giving home buyers in the UK the tools they need to tackle complaints and disputes with confidence. Whether it’s a delay, poor build quality, or misleading information, this guidance pack helps buyers navigate the often-stressful process of holding builders accountable.
02 April 2025: Buyers of second-hand cars have a shaky understanding of their consumer rights, don’t know where to go to complain if they have a problem with a car they have bought, and value the peace of mind offered by trader vetting schemes, according to new research commissioned by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).
18 June, 2024: New polling commissioned by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has revealed that Labour and Conservative party plans for renewed investment in domestic energy-efficiency initiatives are likely to be undermined by a lack of consumer awareness about available funding support, unfamiliarity with the technology involved, and uncertainty about where to find reliable tradespeople to carry out green energy upgrade work.
PLEASE NOTE : We recently changed the consumer-facing name of the scheme from the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) to the Approved Code Scheme. However, some of our publicity and contractual materials (produced before June 2024) may still include references to the original name. Until we have adapted everything, both names remain valid - and we apologise for any confusion.
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