The Labour government, led by Andy Burnham, has confirmed a major crackdown on “rogue bailiffs” and cowboy builders, unveiling plans for a new database of trusted traders and a payment system with enhanced safeguards. The initiative, launching next month, aims to protect consumers from unscrupulous tradespeople and reform bailiff enforcement practices.
New trusted trader scheme
Traders wishing to join the scheme will need to demonstrate high standards of customer service, transparency, and dispute resolution. Makerfield MP Mr Burnham stated that unscrupulous tradespeople “leave families with months of stress” and unfinished work, highlighting the need for action.
The government is also addressing unfair bailiff practices, with over 7 million cases being sent to bailiff enforcement each year. Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, previously told ITV's Good Morning Britain that “each year in the UK, millions of homes are visited by bailiffs.” The bailiff industry collects more than £1 billion annually, largely from unpaid parking and traffic fines and council tax arrears.
Industry reaction and criticism
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has criticised the proposals, telling BBC Breakfast that existing schemes already help consumers find trustworthy builders. Adas Rico Wojtulewicz-Richmond, the NFB's director of policy, questioned the scheme's effectiveness: “Is this scheme going to stop bad actors operating and ripping people off? I don't think it will.” He suggested a “passport” system for every project, recording all work done, as a better approach. “It protects consumers because you can find out which companies are doing a poor job, and it brings up the industry standards,” he added.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds defended the policy, saying: “We're taking action to protect consumers, support reputable traders and make sure people can spend their money with greater confidence and security.”
Bailiff regulation reforms
In June, Martin Lewis called it “outrageous that we still don't have a proper independent regulator [of bailiffs].” Under the new plans, private bailiffs in England and Wales must be accredited by the ECB, or work for an enforcement company that is, to obtain or renew required certificates. The government stated: “Private bailiffs will be held to consistent professional standards, and those facing enforcement action will have access to an independent complaints process – strengthening the rights of the most vulnerable.”
Mr Lewis welcomed the announcement, noting: “Sadly, you're over three times more likely to be in debt crisis if you have a mental health problem, one result of which is that most people who get a bailiff knocking at their door are vulnerable.” He added, “Many bailiffs behave fairly – but some have got away with acting with impunity due to the lack of mandatory independent regulation. We've long campaigned for that to change as aggressive debt collection can and does destroy lives.” He concluded, “So we're delighted the Government has listened and made today's bailiffs announcement – it's a genuine step forward!”
Political responses and next steps
Sarah Sackman, the minister for courts and legal services, said that for someone 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.”
Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith criticised the initiative, saying it “risks the unintended consequence of piling more paperwork onto the majority of businesses who already do the right thing.” He argued, “The government would do far better to beef up law enforcement and have tougher sentences for the minority who fraudulently rip off customers. Those who break the rules will keep breaking them regardless of whether there is an app in the way.”
Liberal Democrat business spokesperson Sarah Olney said: “Rogue builders cause real harm and ruin real lives every year. The current system is simply not fit for purpose and this half-baked announcement falls frustratingly short from fixing it.” She added, “A voluntary code for tradespeople completely misses the mark. Rogue operators won't voluntarily sign up - they will simply keep exploiting families in the shadows.” The scheme launches next month, with the government aiming to provide greater consumer protection and security in spending.
