Cowboy Builders Working Group
The Cowboy Builders Working Group Est 1999
A Cowboy Builders Working Group formed, with Construction Minister Nick Raynsford asking it to come up with a scheme to tackle problems with rogue builders. The group is chaired by Anthony Merricks with support from the construction industry, local government, consumer and insurance interests.
The group was asked to develop a set of criteria for a quality mark scheme covering both development of an approved list of certified constructors and improving consumer education.
To achieve this it was split into four subgroups, each with a specific area to look at:
- Accreditation of trade associations.
- Accreditation of individual constructors.
- Approved lists and consumer education.
- Warranties, dispute resolution and disciplinary procedures.
The subsequent consultation paper on the interim report of the cowboy builders working group points out that a voluntary scheme for policing the building industry would be more effective if the level of VAT on RMI work was cut, and urged the Government to consider it.
Interim report states:
“This would help condition the market by providing a more level playing field and act as an incentive to builders to join the quality mark. The threshold level of VAT should be reduced to £20,000 to reduce the cost advantages currently enjoyed by many of the cowboys.”
The Quality Mark Scheme
The working group also develop the quality mark scheme, which is mindful of accreditation cost and the costs or commercial benefits associated with owning the mark. However, three options have been put forward:
- Setting up a joint Government/industry management body supervised by the CIB to set standards and operate the quality mark.
- Establishing an independent body, appointed by Government, with representation from consumer and industry concerns, giving it ownership and management responsibility for the mark.
- In either case setting up an interim body to ensure a smooth transition from working group to management body.
UKAS - the United Kingdom Accreditation Service - is recommended to accredit certification bodies. These bodies, including trade association - will be accredited to relevant European standards to assess individual firms.
Added the report: “It is expected that bodies linked to trade associations will be the main certification bodies.”
Costs associated with developing a quality mark scheme have been discussed, but nothing concrete set. Firms may even find the scheme subsidised when it is first launched. However, by the end of next month it is anticipated that the scheme will be finalised, with the first phase developed on a regional basis later this year.
The Importance Of Public Education
Educating the public is seen as a vital part of combating cowboy builders. Said the report:
“Research indicates that, in a culture of low expectations on the part of both consumers and builders, many consumers are poorly informed about the real costs of a proper long-term maintenance strategy for their property. It is also evident that many frequently use methods that favour the cowboys. The research also confirms the view that many consumers are reluctant to undertake repair and maintenance work because of a legitimate fear that they will be ripped off.
“A high profile publicity campaign is suggested to encourage customers to use quality marked builders and chose the right builder for the job. The message must be that the quality mark will make consumers’ lives much easier but that they use non-quality marked constructors at their peril.”
Training is also discussed, although it does not fall within the groups remit, with recommendations including expanding the number of operatives in the CSCS and similar schemes; refining the NVQ/SVQ system to bolster site experience and developing a business competence training module.
The group also discussed the role of Fair Trading legislation and concluded that the most effective way of dealing with unscrupulous builders would be through a strengthening of the Fair Trading Act 1973 and Trade Descriptions Act 1968 Competent operatives are seen as giving the campaign a sound footing, and they must be able to demonstrate technical skills AND customer management skills.
References www.fmb.org.uk : 1 June 1999
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