"The DTI's plans will help to improve the levels of service provided by estate agents and should be welcomed by the industry. Bradford & Bingley Estate Agents are founder members of the Ombudsman and support
the DTI's plans.
"Statutory membership to an independent ombudsman scheme will ensure that minimum service standards are met. Consumers will then have a clear route of redress should they feel dissatisfied with the service they have received.
"Enforcing ombudsman membership will also help deter rogue agents from entering the marketplace and protect those who operate in an honest, trustworthy and professional manner. The public perception of the estate agency business will hopefully improve, enabling it to be recognised as an entirely reputable industry and one that provides value for money with good levels of customer satisfaction. Any responsible and skilled agent will
already practice to a high standard and be members of the ombudsman scheme,
and therefore should not be concerned."
