Call for new curbs on rogue traders
12th May 2015

Another challenge for the new Government legislators has emerged in a new survey which shows an overwhelming majority of homeowners believe there should be tighter laws to curb the activities of rogue traders.

Only 15% believe the existing legislation is enough to protect consumers from dodgy tradesmen, while 85% said the law should be stricter, according to the poll by the Consumer Protection Association (CPA) carried out in the wake the recent pension reforms which, says the Association, could see the economy ‘flooded with money’ as people are enabled to cash in their entire pension to spend on whatever they choose.

The survey, based on 1,000 homeowners, shows that more than a third (36%) plan to invest in home improvements in the coming year. But it also showed a clear preference for greater consumer protection, not only from rogue traders but also in terms of insurance and guarantees, with 85% expecting their deposit to be protected by insurance and an absolute 100% saying they would prefer to deal with a home improvement company whose guarantees were insured.

CPA Director Jeremy Brett said the 36% intending to spend on their home represents a significant amount considering the high value of most home improvements: “What impact the pension reforms have is difficult to tell but it is bound to release capital in the economy.”