Cowboy traders: can a new clampdown stamp out the builders from hell?
The UK government is launching a register of trusted traders and a new payment app to protect consumers from rogue builders. These measures aim to address widespread issues where homeowners have suffered financial losses due to unfinished or fraudulent renovation work. While the new system offers escrow protections and warranties, victims of past scams like Sheri Ingram and Paul Boielle remain without recourse.
- ▪Prime Minister Andy Burnham has introduced a register of trusted traders and a Trusted Payment app to combat rogue builders.
- ▪Citizens Advice reported that 4.8 million homeowners experienced problems with home repairs in the previous 18 months.
- ▪The Trusted Payment app uses escrow services and delayed milestone payments to protect consumers on projects costing over £2,500.
- ▪Builder Lee Slocombe was jailed for six years after defrauding nine victims of £400,000 through a pattern of unfinished work and disappearing.
- ▪Projects covered by the new app system include a two-year warranty and the potential for trader bans if ombudsman decisions are ignored.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — UK |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/sep/19/cowboy-traders-builders-from-hell-app-register |
| Publication time | Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:00:40 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-19T07:13:46.725Z |
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Sheri Ingram faced problems with a builder hired to renovate her boyfriend’s home. Photograph: checkingView image in fullscreenSheri Ingram faced problems with a builder hired to renovate her boyfriend’s home. Photograph: checkingConsumer affairsCowboy traders: can a new clampdown stamp out the builders from hell?An app and a register of trusted traders may give greater protection to consumers but it is too late for someSarah Marsh, Consumer Affairs Correspondent Sat 19 Sep 2026 03.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIn hindsight, Sheri Ingram, 35, can see the red flags.
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