The housing complaints resolution service will legally require private landlords to join a housing redress scheme or face fines of up to £5,000 if they fail to do so.

The government has also reiterated its commitment to establishing a new homes ombudsman to help protect homebuyers and hold developers to account.

Developers will also have to belong to the new body by 2021 if they wish to participate in the Help to Buy scheme.

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James Brokenshire, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government (pictured above), said: “Creating a housing market that works for everyone isn’t just about building homes – it’s about ensuring people can get the help they need when something goes wrong.

“The proposals I have announced today will help ensure all residents are able to access help when they need it, so disputes can be resolved faster, and people can get compensation where it’s owed.”