Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a clampdown on "rogue bailiffs" and "cowboy" tradespeople in England and Wales. The measures aim to protect vulnerable people in debt from aggressive behaviour and overcharging, and homeowners from unscrupulous builders.
Under the new rules, private bailiffs in England and Wales will need to be accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB), or be employed by an accredited company, to obtain or renew their required certificates. This is intended to ensure consistent professional standards and provide access to an independent complaints process for those facing enforcement action. The new regime is expected to be fully implemented next year.
Additionally, a government-backed "Approved Code" scheme for the home improvement sector will launch next month to help consumers find trusted builders and traders. Businesses signing up will demonstrate adherence to higher standards, with the first businesses going live by the end of September and full implementation by December. A separate app, Trusted Payments, will also go live next week, allowing consumers to secure funds for building projects and release payments linked to project milestones.