CTSI welcomes Government’s commitment to clamp down on fraudulent builders
28 Aug 2026 10:59 AM
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) welcomes the Government’s commitment to clamp down on fraudulent builders, whose actions pose significant financial and health risks to consumers each year through substandard construction work.
More than one in four UK adults who carried out home improvements work in the past 18 months experienced problems – whether it be projects abandoned halfway through, undue pressure on elderly people to overpay for shoddy work or even builders disappearing on holiday with upfront payments with little to no work completed.
In 2024, people lost over £10.3 billion on home and garden maintenance costs due to losses, overpriced costs or unfair practices. Delays and mounting costs can also cause severe stress which destroys lives.
The Department for Business, Skills, Innovation, and Trade (DBIST) has announced measures that will help consumers to identify and hire trusted, competent traders through a Code. DBIST also announced its support for the Trusted Payment Scheme that is designed to keep consumer’s money safe while work is ongoing and funds are only released when milestones in the works are reached.
CTSI and the Approved Code Scheme (ACS) are working with the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) to develop an Approved Code in the home improvement sector, which FHIO plan to launch during the Autumn.
The Approved Code Scheme is the UK’s only sector-wide code framework that was established to give consumers greater confidence when they buy from members of the approved scheme and also raises the standards of trading of all businesses that operate under the relevant Approved Code for that sector.
As part of the measures, DBIST also announced their ongoing work to review the consumer protection landscape and Trading Standards. CTSI is working closely with the Government officials on this review to ensure that we have an effective enforcement landscape that protects consumers and honest businesses.
John Herriman, Chief Executive at CTSI, said: “CTSI welcomes the Government’s announcement that it intends to clamp down on fraudulent tradespeople. Such criminals deliver substandard work that costs consumers – including vulnerable victims – significant amounts of money to rectify the damage they cause to their homes, or who take the money and run.
“Whilst this announcement is a welcome step forward, CTSI is concerned that funding initiatives like the Warm Homes Plan provides an opportunity for fraudulent trades to capitalise on rising demand for home improvements. CTSI would therefore urge the Government to see this as a great first step and to introduce a mandatory licence for tradespeople working in the home repair and maintenance sector, which would make it simpler and cheaper for enforcement agencies – including Trading Standards – to prosecute fraudulent tradespeople.”
Tim Day, CTSI Lead Officer for Scams and Doorstep Crime, said: “It's very welcome news that a scheme that includes compulsory redress will protect consumers in a market where detriment is currently far too high, but this must be a first-step in regulating the market. It's far too easy for unqualified and fraudulent actors to enter the market, and impossible for consumers to be able to identify the legitimate traders from the criminals so designing-out fraud and criminality via a compulsory registration and licensing scheme for trades operating in or on consumers' homes remains essential.”
Katherine Hart, CTSI Lead Officer for Scams and Doorstep Crime, said: “I welcome and fully support measures that strengthen consumer protection and help safeguard the public from unscrupulous traders, while also recognising the importance of supporting legitimate businesses that operate to high standards. It is essential that consumers have the information and confidence needed to make informed decisions when purchasing goods and services.
“We have seen the devastating impact rogue traders can have on individuals and families, not only through significant financial losses but also through the lasting psychological and emotional effects on those who are often already facing difficult circumstances. Some businesses also suffer when faced with some illegitimate cost cutting competition who shouldn’t be in the market in the first place.
“The introduction of a Code alongside a compulsory licensing scheme would provide enhanced consumer protection, allow choice, improve confidence in the marketplace, and help support reputable traders who are increasingly affected by rogue and criminal activity within the consumer landscape.”
Consumers who need help or advice in relation to fraudulent builders are urged to contact one of the following: in England and Wales, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. In Scotland, contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000. In Northern Ireland, contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.
Notes to editors:
Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is a national not for profit established in 1881 which supports the UK’s trading standards profession and works to protect consumers and safeguard honest businesses. CTSI's members are engaged in delivering frontline trading standards services at local authorities and in businesses. www.tradingstandards.uk
Approved Code Scheme
The Approved Code Scheme is the UK’s only sector-wide code framework audited by Chartered Trading Standards Practitioners. Businesses that follow an Approved Code of Practice commit to higher standards of service and must offer free dispute resolution if something goes wrong.
Please contact CTSI Press Office: pressoffice@tsi.org.uk for any queries.