A new Approved Code Scheme for home improvement businesses, as well as a new payment system made to safeguard homeowners’ money by connecting payments to key project milestones, has been announced by the government.

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.”

Gibson added: “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.

“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.”

The NFRC also supports the thrust of connecting payments to project milestones, but argues that the system must safeguard contractors as well as consumers. 

Gibson commented: “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.

 “The system must support fair payment rather than undermining progress made by the Commercial Payments Bill currently progressing through Parliament, particularly on retentions.”

Looking ahead, the NFRC hopes that these recent developments will support, but not replace, operations that government departments are carrying out to enhance the quality of contractors in the UK.