Builders’ body welcomes debate on rogue tradesmen as calls for licensing grow

The introduction of a mandatory licensing scheme is a little closer, as MPs will debate the need to protect consumers from rogue builders in Westminster Hall on Thursday, 13th November

The debate, led by Mark Garnier OBE MP, will highlight the growing cross-party concern over the billions lost each year to poor quality and unregulated building work.

Recent research from the FMB revealed that homeowners across the UK lose an estimated £14.3 billion annually to rogue or incompetent building work, underscoring the urgent need for reform.

Nearly a quarter of UK homeowners who hire builders have lost money, with the average financial loss totalling around £1,759 over the past five years.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “The scale of consumer harm caused by rogue builders has been ignored for far too long. Licensing building companies is the single most effective way to stamp out cowboy builders and give homeowners absolute confidence when commissioning work on their homes. 

“The FMB is delighted that Parliament is shining a spotlight on this issue, and that Mark Garnier MP has managed to secure another debate and raise the issue in the House of Commons. I hope this debate marks the beginning of long-overdue legislative change.”

The FMB continues to work closely with MPs across parties to champion consumer protection, raise industry standards, and fight for urgent licensing reform. The planned Westminster Hall debate is a crucial step in pushing the government to take action to end the damaging impact of rogue builders once and for all.

The debate will take place in Westminster Hall on Thursday, 13 November, and can be watched live on Parliament TV.