§ Lord Ponsonby of Shulbredeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What actions they propose to take to deal with incompetent builders.
§ Baroness HaymanWe are today launching a consultation paperCombating Cowboy Builders, which sets out a range of measures aimed at protecting 76WA householders from incompetent or dishonest builders. I am placing copies in the Library.
The Government's aim is to protect consumers who want to find a competent builder but, through no fault of their own, suffer as a result of a cowboy builder. The first object is to help householders distinguish between the good and the bad builders. Then it is necessary to ensure that the householder, having selected a reputable builder, gets an assurance of good quality work underpinned by a means of redress if things still go wrong.
The Government have always made it clear that tackling the cowboys was one of their priorities for the construction industry. There is no simple, single solution to the problem. However, the Government believe that the package of measures proposed in this consultation paper will bring real benefit to householders and make life much harder for the cowboys.
The proposals contained in the document include: encouraging local authorities or other local agencies to offer their residents lists of reputable builders who operate in their areas; opening up Constructionline, the Government's own database of approved contractors, to the private sector and householders; developing the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (which records craft skills on an ID card) and familiarising householders with it; developing a construction industry kitemark to denote builders who will work to an agreed set of standards; strengthening warranties for use in the event of inadequate work; the possibility of broadening the building regulations regime so that it is better able to support quality across a wide range of repair and maintenance work; finding ways in which lenders and insurers can play a greater role in helping householders to keep their homes in good repair using reputable tradesmen.
The paper invites comments and ideas from consumer groups, the construction industry and anyone with an interest.