Burnham launches crackdown on ‘cowboy builders’ ripping off households

New measures targeting "cowboy builders" who exploit homeowners, alongside a crackdown on private bailiffs using intimidating tactics against people in debt, have been unveiled by Andy Burnham .

Under the plans, a dedicated register will assist consumers in finding trusted tradespeople, safeguarding household funds from unscrupulous operators.

Home improvement grievances rank among the most frequent issues reported to Citizens Advice, which noted that more than one in four adults experienced difficulties during their latest project, ranging from sub-standard craftsmanship to builders vanishing before completion.

Starting in September, a government-backed scheme will allow companies to sign up to an approved code to demonstrate compliance with standards on customer service, transparency and resolving disputes.

In addition, a fresh payment system launching next week will enable householders to avoid upfront costs by linking payments directly to project milestones.

Speaking on the proposals, The Prime Minister said: "Cowboy builders don’t just rip people off. They leave families with months of stress, the disruption of unfinished work, and that horrible feeling of being taken advantage of. Not only that, but they give the vast majority of decent, hardworking tradespeople a bad name.

"So we’re putting the cowboys out of business. These changes mean you’ll now have the option to make sure your money is held safely and released bit by bit as the work gets done.

"It’s the latest in our series of everyday fixes to give people room to breathe and make Britain fairer. We’ve taken on subscription traps, fake discounts, and now we’re coming for the cowboy builders. Enough is enough."

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds explained that the reforms would "protect consumers, support reputable traders" and assist families in preventing home improvements from turning into a nightmare.

Ministers have also announced stricter regulation of private bailiffs in England and Wales, introducing mandatory independent oversight.

The policy aims to enforce consistent professional standards, following growing concerns over enforcement agents pressuring individuals into repayment arrangements that left them unable to pay for basic everyday essentials.

To obtain the certificate required to operate, bailiffs will need to be accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board or work for an accredited firm.

Courts minister Sarah Sackman said: "Bailiffs have an important job to do, but with that responsibility must come high standards. When someone is already struggling with debt, the last thing they should face is intimidating behaviour, unfair treatment or being pushed into excessive repayment arrangements they cannot afford.

"That’s why we’re strengthening the rules. All private bailiffs will have to meet proper, professional standards and will be subject to independent oversight – giving people greater protection and somewhere to turn when things go wrong."