THE NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) has welcomed the UK Government’s plans to tackle rogue traders and strengthen consumer protection in the home improvement sector, but said the new measures to be ‘robust, proportionate and straightforward’ for both homeowners and reputable contractors.
The government has announced a new Approved Code Scheme for home improvement businesses, alongside a payment system designed to protect homeowners’ money by linking payments to key project milestones.
NFRC said it supports the direction of travel, with the organisation’s members already required to meet high standards of competence, professionalism, customer service and compliance as conditions of membership, and have long been working to distinguish reputable contractors from rogue traders.
Gray Gibson, NFRC policy and external affairs manager, said, “We welcome the government’s focus on tackling rogue traders. Reputable roofing contractors have been fighting this problem for years, because rogue operators not only put consumers at risk but also undercut businesses that invest in doing things properly. The requirements for the new Approved Code must be meaningful enough to distinguish professional businesses from those simply looking for another badge to put on their website. They should be comparable in substance to the standards NFRC expects of its members.
“At the same time, we must not create another layer of complexity for homeowners or contractors to navigate. The home improvement market is already difficult for consumers to understand, and adding another code risks creating more confusion rather than greater confidence. The government must ensure the new code is clear and recognisable.”
NFRC said it also supports the principle of linking payments to project milestones, but stresses the system must protect contractors as well as consumers.
“A payment system that gives homeowners confidence that their money is protected is a positive development, but it must not place an unreasonable administrative or financial burden on contractors who are simply trying to get paid fairly for work they have completed,” said Gray. “The system must support fair payment rather than undermining progress made by the Commercial Payments Bill currently progressing through parliament, particularly on retentions.”
NFRC believes consumer behaviour will also be critical to making the reforms work.
“Consumers have an important role to play too. A reputable contractor that employs competent people, invests in training, maintains appropriate insurance, complies with regulations and stands behind its work will inevitably have higher costs than someone who does not. Homeowners need to recognise that the cheapest quote is not always the best value. If the Approved Code is to have a meaningful impact, it must help consumers understand the difference between a properly qualified and compliant contractor and someone offering a cheap price.”
