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The Government's decision to set up a working group to spearhead the drive against cowboy builders has been enthusiastically welcomed by the Federation of Master Builders. The Government's announcement follows responses to its consultation paper 'Combating Cowboy Builders'.
In particular, the Federation, which represents over 15,000 building companies, welcomes the working group's intention to examine the potential of industry 'kitemarking' schemes. This would demonstrate that a builder is reputable, financially sound and whose quality of work is backed by a warranty and an effective means of redress should things go wrong.
The Federation is currently developing its own 'kitemark' scheme that will be available to all Federation members and others. This will comprise: independent third party certification; a code of good practice; a 'kitemark' indicating technical and financial competence; provision of an insurance backed warranty. FMB would also like to see a 'Fair Deal' contract introduced.
For over 15 years FMB has led the way in providing a warranty scheme for builders operating in the repair and maintenance sector.
Ian Davis, Director General of the FMB, said:
"The Federation of Master Builders fully supports the Working Group's intention to stamp out cowboys whose activities damage the reputation of the industry and of the many thousands of honest and competent builders.
"The establishment of an industry kitemark scheme would give customers the protection and confidence that they deserve and would differentiate between the professional builder and the rogue trader.
"We are pleased that the Working Group is to examine our recommendations for an industry scheme but would urge that a reduced rate of VAT for housing maintenance work should be part of any package of measures. This would help eliminate the black economy in which cowboy builders operate and lead to work being given to VAT registered and reputable builders."
First posted: 31 July 1998. Last modified: 04 February 1999.
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