Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.

Government Launches Trusted Trader Scheme to Tackle Rogue Builders

The Government has announced a new trusted trader scheme designed to help people avoid cowboy builders. The initiative is part of a wider clampdown on rogue builders and bailiffs, and is intended to benefit agents, landlords, and vendors seeking reliable tradespeople for property repairs or improvements.

According to Government research, more than one in four adults who undertook home improvement work in the past 18 months experienced problems. Issues reported include projects abandoned halfway through, undue pressure on elderly people to overpay for poor-quality work, and builders disappearing with upfront payments without completing the job.

The research also found that one in three affected individuals faced extra costs, losing an average of £750. In 2024, losses, overpriced costs, or unfair practices in home and garden maintenance amounted to more than £10.3 billion.

Businesses that sign up to the scheme’s Approved Code will be able to demonstrate higher standards of customer service, transparency, and dispute resolution. The scheme will also introduce a new system to protect payments, linking them directly to key project milestones.

For letting agents and inventory clerks, the scheme aims to provide greater confidence when selecting tradespeople for property maintenance or improvement projects. The Government states that these measures are intended to support reputable traders and protect consumers from unfair practices.