§ Dr. StoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what action her Department is taking to tackle rogue builders; [161507]
(2) what steps her Department is taking to (a) promote awareness of the Quality Mark scheme among the public and (b) encourage applications from building firms; [161509]
(3) how many building firms in (a) England and (b) Kent have (i) applied for and (ii) been granted membership of the Quality Mark scheme for builders. [161508]
§ Nigel GriffithsThe Government are working with the construction industry, local authorities, consumer groups and other stakeholders to introduce the Quality Mark scheme.
The scheme was initially piloted in Birmingham and Somerset in 2001. A series of trade launches have since been held in other parts of the country. Registration fees for most firms have been subsidised and free advice on entry requirements is available to applicants.
Records show that a total of 535 firms have been approved so far, 507 of which are located in England including 25 in Kent A total of 699 firms have applied, of which 694 are based in England including 22 in Kent.