Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential benefits to consumer protection of introducing a licensing scheme for UK construction companies and sole traders.

The Department has regular discussions with the construction industry about how best to achieve the potential benefits of a licensing scheme without the practical drawbacks, as well as other issues that will help improve the standard of work undertaken by firms and sole traders in the sector.

The Government has endorsed the TrustMark Scheme which aims to marginalise unscrupulous traders operating in the home building and repair market ; and to identify local traders who have undergone independent checks for both trade competence and good trading practice. The Government believes this scheme gives consumers increased confidence and ability to choose registered businesses including builders who adhere to and maintain high standards.