RICHARD Quigley MP is backing the Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) campaign for licensing building companies.
The MP for the Isle of Wight West said proper regulation would protect consumers and support legitimate tradespeople.
Speaking on the FMB podcast Build up from the Basement, Mr Quigley spoke about his constituents who have fallen victim to unscrupulous builders. “When you’ve got constituents coming to you saying ‘we’ve been a victim of a rogue builder,’ you’re not talking about a couple hundred quid. You’re talking about people who’ve lost £30,000, £40,000, £50,000 and are not in a position where their home is what they wanted — or even safe.”
When asked if he supported licensing building companies, Mr Quigley added, “No decent builder will be against it – good builders want to be distinguished from the rogues. They want customers to have confidence in their work and qualifications.”
FMB CEO Brian Berry commented, “I am delighted that the MP for the Isle of Wight West, Richard Quigley has openly backed the FMB’s campaign for the licensing of building companies. We need to get the issue on the government’s agenda as soon as possible – whilst continuing to drum up support in parliament – from all sides of the house on this vital issue of rogue builders.
“Too many people across the country right are being affected by rogue companies often with terrible consequences such as losing their life savings and suffering huge emotional stress as a result. A staggering £14.3bn has been lost to rogue traders over the last five years. A mandatory licensing scheme of building companies is the only way to protect homeowners and reputable builders.”
