NFRC welcomes government action to tackle rogue traders but reforms must work for reputable contractors

New code scheme ties contractor compensation to project progress. 

NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) welcomes the government’s plans to tackle rogue traders and strengthen consumer protection in the home improvement sector, while calling for the new measures to be robust, proportionate and straightforward for both homeowners and reputable contractors. 

The government has today announced a new Approved Code Scheme for home improvement businesses, alongside a new payment system designed to protect homeowners’ money by linking payments to key project milestones. 

NFRC supports the direction of travel. Our members are 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 roofing contractors from the rogue traders that continue to blight the industry. 

NFRC Policy and External Affairs Manager Gray Gibson 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. 

"It is also worth asking what resources the Ombudsman will be allocated for managing and monitoring the behaviour of the companies that sign up to this approved code. NFRC Competent Person Scheme uses industry expertise to actively monitor and enforce standards across its registered contractor base. Without active enforcement and oversight, the approved code risks being ineffective." 

NFRC also supports the principle of linking payments to project milestones, but stresses that 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. Any additional costs of Trusted Payments must be proportionate and should not simply become another cost SME contractors become expected to absorb.” 

NFRC believes consumer behaviour will also be critical to making the reforms work. 

According to an NFRC spokesperson, “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.” 

NFRC says achieving widespread recognition of the new scheme will require sustained Government support and a long-term change in consumer behaviour. 

The spkesperson continued, “an approved code will only work if consumers recognise it, understand what it means and actively use it when choosing a contractor. That will require serious investment, promotion and time. It cannot be assumed that creating a new scheme will change the market overnight." 

NFRC hopes that these new developments will support, rather than replace, work that government departments are already undertaking to elevate the quality of contractors across the UK.