Review at Persimmon

PERSIMMON has launched an independent review of its business as it battles to improve customer service and retain a place in the taxpayer-funded Help To Buy scheme.

Britain’s second- biggest housebuilder, which raked in £1bn in profit last year amid stinging criticism over fat-cat pay and shoddy workmanship, said the review would be chaired by Stephanie Barwise QC and be ready later this year.

The move comes after Persimmon pledged to improve customer service following a warning from the Government that it could lose its prized place in the Help To Buy loan scheme.

Anger at the housebuilder has been compounded because of the record profits it has made, which critics claim are largely off the back of the taxpayer-funded scheme.

Chairman Roger Devlin said: ‘Our objective is clear: we must ensure that all our customers are provided with the care, service and high-quality homes that they rightfully expect.’