Stories

Thu, 27 Aug 2026

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 'Cowboy builders' targeted in new government clampdown

A database of trusted tradespeople and a system to protect customers' money is being launched by the government next month.

* A new database of trusted traders will be launched next month, offering greater protections against "cowboy builders"
* Traders signing up to the scheme must demonstrate certain standards of customer service, transparency and dispute resolution
* The government says over a quarter of people who carried out home improvements in the past 18 months have experienced problems, such as builders disappearing after upfront payments were made
* A survey suggests customers lost £10bn in 2024 on home and garden maintenance services due to losses, overpriced costs or unfair practices by traders
* Under the new scheme, customers' money will be held in an account and released in parts after certain milestones in projects are completed
* The National Federation of Builders has expressed concerns that the scheme will not stop rogue operators, while the Tories have suggested there will be added paperwork for firms already operating legitimately.