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Andy Burnham introduces new regulations to protect homeowners from 'cowboy' builders and vulnerable debtors from aggressive bailiffs

The administration announced a series of measures to protect consumers from unscrupulous tradespeople and aggressive debt collection. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the new rules aim to eliminate 'cowboy' builders by introducing a database of trusted traders and a payment system that releases funds based on project milestones. This scheme will help homeowners avoid the stress of unfinished work and disappearing contractors. Simultaneously, the administration announced that private bailiffs in England and Wales will be required to be accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board. This mandatory accreditation ensures that bailiffs follow consistent professional standards and provides consumers with an independent complaints process. Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, praised the move as a genuine step forward for vulnerable people in debt. While some critics, such as the National Federation of Builders, noted that the scheme might not stop every bad actor, the administration remains committed to making Britain fairer by strengthening consumer protections in the administration's 'everyday fixes' initiative.

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