The crack down on rogue traders

By The Coffee Shops®. 

NFRC says new government measures could help distinguish reputable businesses from rogue traders, but only if oversight and public education follow. 

Rogue traders are a big issue in the home improvement industries, like roofing. The BBC describes these individuals as “[people who] offer to fix what seems like a small problem, before pressuring people into paying for much larger jobs. They can target people through doorstep cold calls, leaflets, phone calls, websites or social media.” The negative impact of rogue traders is not only felt by the individuals who have been targeted, but also reputable members of the trades who face distrust due to these bad players.  

The good news is that the government has made moves to check rogue traders. National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) reports that the government has “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 welcomes this direction, noting that its members already must meet standards for competence, professionalism, customer service and compliance. However, the association also stressed that the Approved Code’s requirements must be meaningful and supported by active oversight. Without this type of clear recognition, monitoring and enforcement, the government’s code runs the risk of creating more confusion rather than increase consumer confidence. As Gray Gibson, NFRC’s Policy and External Affairs Manager, put it, “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.” 

How can the government make sure that their reforms are robust, proportionate and easy to understand? NFRC stressed the importance of educating consumers in tandem with the release of reforms:  

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... 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. 

Overall, NFRC argues that, while the new Approved Code Scheme is a step towards curbing rogue traders, sustained government support and a long-term change in consumer behaviour are crucial to the reform’s ultimate success.  

Learn more about rogue traders and government reforms.