The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has backed Government plans to reform consumer protection in the retrofit market. This comes as the Government launches a consultation on overhauling the consumer protection framework for home upgrade schemes as part of its Warm Homes Plan.
The proposals are designed to tackle long-standing issues in the market, including unclear accountability and inconsistent oversight, which have contributed to poor-quality installations and damaged confidence among both consumers and industry.
Central to the consultation is a move towards a simpler, more joined-up system, including a single consumer protection service and stronger oversight of installers. The FMB says these measures could help professionalise the sector and support competent builders.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said:
“The FMB strongly supports efforts to improve consumer protection in the retrofit market. Too many households have been let down by poor-quality work, damaging trust across the sector. A simpler, clearer system that ensures work is done right first time, and gives consumers confidence in where to turn when things go wrong, is essential to scaling up retrofit and meeting our net zero goals.”
Berry continued:
“It is also significant that the Government is considering whether more trades should be subject to mandatory registration and licensing, as this is something the FMB has long called for. Done right, this could deliver real change for the industry. However, any new framework must work for small, local building firms, avoiding excessive costs or complexity that risk driving good builders out of the market.”