New Measures to Combat Cowboy Builders and Rogue Bailiffs Announced

Introduction

On 28 August 2026, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced significant reforms aimed at protecting homeowners from the perils of cowboy builders and rogue bailiffs. These measures come in response to alarming statistics indicating that over one in four UK adults have faced issues with home improvement projects in the past 18 months.

New Approved Code and Trusted Payments Scheme

Starting in September, a new government-backed scheme will help homeowners identify and hire trusted traders through an approved code. This initiative aims to ensure higher standards of customer service and transparency among participating businesses. The scheme is expected to be fully operational by December 2026.

Key features of the scheme include:

• Register of Trusted Traders: Homeowners will have access to a list of vetted traders who adhere to the approved code.
• Payment System: A smartphone app named Trusted Payments will launch next week, linking payments to project milestones. This system is designed to protect consumers by ensuring that payments are only made as work progresses satisfactorily.
• Support for Reputable Traders: Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds highlighted that these changes would not only protect consumers but also support reputable traders in the industry.

The Impact of Cowboy Builders

The impact of cowboy builders on homeowners has been severe. Citizens Advice reports that more than one in three individuals who experienced problems with home renovations faced additional costs, losing an average of £750. Over the past five years, homeowners have collectively lost £14.3 billion due to these unfair practices. The new measures aim to reduce these losses significantly.

Tougher Regulations for Bailiffs

In addition to tackling cowboy builders, the government is also implementing stricter regulations for private bailiffs in England and Wales. These regulations will require bailiffs to be accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board, ensuring consistent professional standards and an independent complaints process. Currently, more than 7 million cases are sent to bailiff enforcement each year, collecting over £1 billion annually.

The new regime for bailiffs is anticipated to take effect next year, with a focus on curbing aggressive behaviour and overcharging practices that have plagued many consumers.

Conclusion

The reforms announced by Andy Burnham represent a significant step towards safeguarding homeowners from the detrimental effects of cowboy builders and rogue bailiffs. With the introduction of the approved code and trusted payments scheme, consumers can look forward to a more transparent and reliable home improvement sector. As these measures roll out, the government hopes to restore confidence in the industry and protect families from unfair practices.