The government has announced a new initiative to protect individuals undertaking home improvements from fraudulent contractors, often referred to as “cowboy builders.” Set to launch next month, this initiative includes a database of vetted tradespeople and a structured payment system to prevent financial losses due to incomplete work.
Under this programme, tradespeople must adhere to specific standards relating to service quality, transparency, and conflict resolution. Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, highlighted the stress and unfinished projects that dishonest traders can leave behind, negatively affecting families.
Mixed Reactions to New Scheme
Despite the government’s efforts, the National Federation of Builders (NFB) has expressed concerns about the scheme’s effectiveness in curbing dishonest practices. Adas Rico Wojtulewicz-Richmond, the NFB’s director of policy, suggested that a more reliable method would involve a “passport” for each project, documenting all completed work to uphold industry standards.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) welcomed the initiative but called for more measures to safeguard vulnerable consumers from substandard work. CTSI’s chief executive, John Herriman, recommended mandatory licensing for tradespeople to facilitate the prosecution of fraudulent activities.
Criticism also came from political quarters. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith warned that the initiative might unintentionally increase bureaucratic burdens on legitimate businesses. On the other side, Liberal Democrat spokesperson Sarah Olney criticised the voluntary nature of the code, arguing it would not deter rogue builders.
Efforts to Regulate Bailiffs
In addition to addressing rogue traders, the government is introducing new regulations for private bailiffs in England and Wales. These regulations aim to protect debtors from intimidating practices and unreasonable repayment terms, introducing an independent complaints process and establishing professional standards for bailiff conduct.
Sarah Sackman, minister for courts and legal services, emphasised that while bailiffs play a crucial role, it is essential they operate to high standards. The government will also explore collaborations between organisations like Trading Standards and regulatory bodies to streamline consumer protection processes more effectively.
Recent findings from a Freedom of Information request indicated that insufficient staffing in trading standards teams could lead to an increase in scams and the sale of unsafe products, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive regulatory frameworks.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.