Blears warns flood-hit households about cowboy builders

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears today warned households in flood-hit areas to guard against cowboy builders as she outlined Government commitment to support communities on the long-term task of reconstruction.

According to latest information from the Association of British Insurers 45,000 households have made insurance claims in relation to the June and July floods with 14,500 from commercial properties - this includes damage to hundreds of schools, roads and other infrastructure.

Reconstruction is therefore a key priority in the next phase of recovery efforts.

While the vast majority of people, including the building industry, are responding positively to this challenge there have been reports of both bogus traders and cowboy builders operating in flood-affected areas. Fraudsters are offering a range of work from construction, tree chopping, garden clearance and roof cleaning. Clearly substandard work may be dangerous and will only add to the misery of local people and bring additional costs.

The Government has held discussions with the construction and insurance industry as well local agencies this week. Discussions are focussing on helping people find reputable builders.

The Government is working with the industry and local agencies on the following issues:

Giving local people practical advice on getting access to qualified tradesmen and how to avoid rogue traders - for example using the find a builder services offered by trade bodies and not agreeing a cash deal on the doorstep, even if the builder offers a reduction on the price;

Closer information-sharing between insurers, the construction industry and local councils to ensure quicker support in areas with shortages of qualified builders and tradesmen.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said: 'Whilst the flooding may have receded, the damage to homes and businesses remains. We will continue to do all we can working with the construction industry, insurers and local agencies on the reconstruction efforts over the coming months.

"While the vast majority of people, including the building industry, are responding positively to the challenge it is extremely saddening that some people are trying to cash-in and exploit the hardship of others. This behaviour is completely deplorable and I would urge residents to be vigilant if they are approached. There are a number of places where people can go for free advice including National Federation of Builders, the Federation of Master Builders or Consumer Direct."

Julia Evans, National Federation of Builders Chief Executive said: "Getting detailed estimates in writing from at least three referenced builders is a vital first step to ensuring remedial work is done to a high standard. Alarm bells should start ringing if the work is offered free of VAT. People need to ask themselves if they really want the work done by someone who does so little work that they do not reach the VAT threshold, or, if they are dodging their tax liabilities what else will they try to dodge."

Age Concern's Director-General, Gordon Lishman, said: "This is an extremely difficult time for many people and it is appalling to think that there are unscrupulous people out there looking to benefit from other people's misery. Bogus or rogue traders often prey on vulnerable older people in particular, and can be very convincing. The government's move to publicise this issue and highlight to those in flood-affected areas how to find qualified tradesmen and avoid rogue traders is very welcome. It is always advisable to check someone's credentials before agreeing to have any work done but it is worth remembering that the majority of tradesmen will be genuine."

The Communities Secretary also set out other key priorities over the coming weeks to support flood recovery. These include:

work to ensure we put together the best possible application to the European Commission for support from the European Union Solidarity Fund to help support recovery from the floods;

making payments to local authorities to help those people affected by the July floods who are most in need;

cross-Government work to ensure that every child is back in full-time schooling in September, with the vast majority back in class in their schools' permanent site;

keeping Britain moving through speedy repairs to flood-damaged roads;

promoting a strong message to tourists that we are open for business - particularly important in the light of the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease; and

ensuring flood-hit businesses and farmers are getting the support they need through the Regional Development Agencies.

Hazel Blears added: "The Government is in this for the long-haul. The recovery efforts will take months but we are committed to doing all we can during this time in helping communities get back on their feet."

Government statistics show that botched home improvement work wastes £1.5billion annually - latest figures show that over 111,000 complaints about cowboy builders were registered with Trading Standards Officers in one year.

There are a number of bodies offering advice:

Trustmark - trustmark.org.uk
Consumer direct - consumerdirect.gov.uk
National Federation of Builders - builders.org.uk
Federation of Master Builders - findabuilder.co.uk

Trustmark is a Government-backed initiative, in partnership with the construction industry and consumer protection organisations, which sets standards for competency and customer care. Advice from the scheme includes how to deal with a firm over the phone to make sure you know what you are getting into, particularly the costs.

Consumer Direct, the Government-funded advice service, have the following tips on their 'flood repair rogues' press release which is referenced on their homepage - consumerdirect.gov.uk

Before you organise any repairs, contact your insurance company. Some insurance companies may arrange approved traders to repair damage on your behalf, but if you organise your own repairs, check what will be covered;

When seeking a reliable trader, talk to family, friends and neighbours to get recommendations, or look for a trader who is a member of an approved code scheme. Be very cautious about employing tradespeople who make unsolicited visits;

Consider getting written quotes (not estimates) from at least three traders;

Consider making staged payments and keeping back a significant part of the cost until the repair job has been satisfactorily completed. If you do this, you can ask for defects to be put right without the need to make a claim or go to court for compensation;

If you are buying goods or services costing over £100, consider paying by credit card, as you may be able to claim your money back from the card company if the trader fails to honour the contract.

Anyone experiencing problems with traders, or needing further advice can call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

In addition the Federation of Master Builders offers a free service to homeowners looking for a reputable local builder. The Find A Builder service can be accessed at findabuilder.co.uk or by calling the FMB on 08000 152 522. Alternatively, look for builders displaying the FMB logo - and if in doubt, call the FMB to make sure they really are a member or use their online Check A Member service.

The National Federation of Builders offer a similar service on their website - builders.org.uk plus a seven step guide to appointing a builder.

Information provided is for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, it does not constitute legal or professional advice.