Full Breakdown
Government Launches New Scheme to Tackle ‘Cowboy Builders’ and Aggressive Bailiffs
8/29/2026, 11:10:31 AM
Core Measures Announced
The UK government will introduce an Approved Code for home-improvement traders in September. Participants must meet higher standards of customer service, transparency and dispute resolution. A linked payment system will hold customers’ funds in escrow and release them at predefined project milestones. Private bailiffs in England and Wales will be required to obtain accreditation from the Enforcement Conduct Board and will be subject to independent oversight and a mandatory complaints process.
Background & Context
Home-renovation projects have become a leading source of consumer complaints. Citizens Advice identified the sector as one of its biggest complaint generators, and a government-commissioned survey found that more than a quarter of adults who carried out improvements experienced problems such as abandoned work, pressure on elderly customers to overpay, or traders disappearing after receiving upfront payments. The measures form part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s “everyday fixes” agenda aimed at easing the cost-of-living burden.
Data & Statistics
- One in four UK adults who undertook home-improvement work in the last 18 months reported issues (government figures).
- One in three of those affected incurred extra costs, with an average loss of £750 per household (government figures).
- In 2024, consumers lost over £10.3 billion on home and garden maintenance due to losses, overpriced charges or unfair practices (government figures).
Official Statements & Responses
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the initiative protects families’ biggest investment, stressing the government is “helping families avoid a nightmare.” Minister for Courts and Legal Services Sarah Sackman highlighted the need for “high standards” among bailiffs, arguing that vulnerable debtors should not face intimidation or unaffordable repayment arrangements. Deputy Chief Ombudsman Judith Turner called the Approved Code a “gold-standard” that will build trust and enable fair dispute resolution.
Criticism & Opposition
The National Federation of Builders’ policy director Rico Wojtulewicz-Richmond questioned whether a voluntary code can stop bad actors, suggesting a project-level “passport” would be more effective. Liberal Democrat business spokesperson Sarah Olney described the announcement as “half-baked” and warned that “rogue operators won’t voluntarily sign up.” Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith warned the scheme could add paperwork for compliant firms and urged tougher law-enforcement measures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cowboy builders don’t just rip people off. They leave families with months of stress, the disruption of unfinished work, and that horrible feeling of being taken advantage of. Not only that, but they give the vast majority of decent, hardworking tradespeople a bad name. ?” — Andy Burnham, prime minister
- “Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman said: Bailiffs have an important job to do, but with that responsibility must come high standards.” — Sarah Sackman
- “Rogue operators won’t voluntarily sign up – they will simply keep exploiting families in the shadows.” — Sarah Olney, democrat business spokesperson
- “CTSI would therefore urge the Government to see this as a great first step and to introduce a mandatory licence for tradespeople working in the home repair and maintenance sector, which would make it simpler and cheaper for enforcement agencies – including Trading Standards – to prosecute fraudulent tradespeople.” — Andrew Griffith, shadow business secretary
What’s Next
The Approved Code and milestone-linked payment system are slated to launch in September. Ministers have also signaled a longer-term review of the broader consumer-protection framework, including how Citizens Advice, Trading Standards and other regulators coordinate to address fraud and unfair practices.
