MPs are to discuss proposals to introduce a licensing scheme for builders undertaking domestic building works in England in Parliament this week.
The debate comes after Conservative MP Mark Garnier introduced a private member’s bill called the Domestic Building Works (Consumer Protection) Bill.
Currently, anyone is able to call themselves a builder without having to demonstrate and training or qualifications, while protections for consumers are limited.
The Bill aims to protect consumers who are not professional property developers and to “promote fair competition among reputable builders”.
The Bill would require sole traders, partnerships and other companies including primary contractors and subcontractors to be licensed, with fines for companies who undertook work without a licence.
Meanwhile, it would create an ombudsman service to resolve disputes between consumers and licensees.
The Bill was originally presented to the House of Commons in June this year and will have its second reading later this week.
Private members’ bills are not government bills and generally don’t succeed in making it into law, however time is set aside to debate such bills, which are introduced by MPs who are not a member of the cabinet. Time is allocated to private members’ bills on 13 Fridays a year in the House of Commons and there is no guarantee the debate will finish in the time available. Even if it passes a second reading, it is likely to need the support of government to become law.
Comments
Comments are closed.
About time , we also need to consider a log book whereas all applicable work is recorded , unfortunately unsuspected buyers are looking at the decor only and paying the price for the hidden horrors . I understand other countries like America have a similar licence scheme and with ‘ climate’ issues a major concern we need competent builders at all levels not just domestic work but wider industry
One of the reasons I left that sector , changing customers attitudes to taking the ‘cash ‘
builder will meet resistance hence the VAT factors also needs to be considered if we are to fully engage the homeowner .
Licensing will need to be linked to verifiable standards in workmanship and codes of of conduct, and hopefully professional accreditations. Too many ‘domestic contractors’ appear to be unaware of British Standards, the Building Regulations, the requirements of the planning approvals and even the use of JCT and NEC forms of agreement – even where they come at Architect recommendation. Surely the CIOB has a led role to take here.
I am very surprised to find that England does not have Builder’s licensing for domestic building works. I wonder what the situation is with the rest of the UK ? There are so many problems and disputes that can arise by inexperienced persons in the Building Industry which I have seen in Australia, that does have Builders Licensing, and Papua New Guinea where the professionals in the industry are committed to introducing Builder’s registration. The Government itself should take on this role.
Seems like a good idea.
That seems sensible and would be an opportunity for CIOB company /trader membership to be an essential requirement of Licensing . Also it could be made statutory that before Building work starts on site the full plans approval for Building Regulations is approved (if appropriate) and even if the work does not require Building Regulations Approval in all cases the name and details ( Licence No) of the proposed Licensed Main Contractor is registered with the Local Authority. If the property is ever sold/ transferred the solicitor could ask for this evidence.
Having just view the live debate, am more than disappointed to see Mark Garnier withdraw the second reading of the bill. Appeared to be supported by the opposition, but not by the government minister! An incredibly massive opportunity totally wasted to rid this country of cowboy/rogue builders!
Bev Ditch
19.11.21