This item was originally published on this site
Shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, has told a parliamentary reception that Labour are backing builder licences.
Speaking at the launch of the Federation of Master Builders report ‘Licence to Build’, he said that it would be put forward for Labour’s next manifesto.
He said: “All the parties are thinking of ideas to use in their manifesto, we are too. We would put this idea in ours.”
The licensing would look to ensure that rogue, or cowboy as they are more frequently known, builders would not be able to cause the damage they have.
McDonnell added: “We need licensing so that cowboy builders aren’t building the slums of tomorrow.”
Brian Berry, CEO at FMB, said that it is “wrong” that anyone “can just become a builder”.
He added: “At a time when there is an urgent skills crisis, our reputation is being blighted by cowboy builders”.
The report contrasts this with gas or electrical trades, which need licences to work.
The report says: “Licensing the UK construction industry would provide a means of barring and removing those from the industry who are shown to be incompetent or who undermine standards as a matter of course.
“Licensing would provide a much higher level of assurance to consumers and provide quality and safety.”
