The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has welcomed new Government measures aimed at tackling rogue traders, but warned that reforms must be robust, properly enforced and avoid adding unnecessary complexity for reputable contractors.
The Government has announced a new clampdown on cowboy builders, including an Approved Code Scheme for home improvement businesses and a payment system designed to protect homeowners’ money by linking payments to key project milestones.
From September, businesses signing up to the Approved Code will be able to demonstrate that they meet higher standards of customer service, transparency and dispute resolution.
The Government says the measures will help consumers identify trusted traders while preventing responsible businesses from being undercut by rogue operators. According to figures included in the announcement, more than one in four UK adults who undertook home improvements during the previous 18 months experienced problems.
NFRC Policy and External Affairs Manager Gray Gibson said reputable roofing contractors had been fighting the problem for years.
“We welcome the Government’s focus on tackling rogue traders,” he explained. “Rogue operators not only put consumers at risk but also undercut businesses that invest in doing things properly.”
However, Gibson said requirements under the Approved Code must be meaningful enough to distinguish professional businesses from those seeking “another badge to put on their website.”
He also warned that without active enforcement and oversight, the Code risks being ineffective, and questioned what resources would be made available to the Ombudsman to manage and monitor participating companies.
NFRC says it supports the principle of linking payments to project milestones but said the system must also protect contractors.
Gibson added: “A payment system that gives homeowners confidence that their money is protected is a positive development, but it must not place an unreasonable administrative or financial burden on contractors who are simply trying to get paid fairly for work they have completed.”
NFRC also stressed that homeowners must recognise that the cheapest quote does not necessarily represent the best value, with reputable contractors facing costs associated with competence, training, insurance and regulatory compliance.
The association said the scheme will ultimately require sustained Government promotion and consumer recognition if it is to make a meaningful difference to the market.