Dozens of homeowners who have fallen victim to cowboy builders came to Westminster yesterday (28/04/26) to share their stories with MPs, as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) hosted a drop-in event calling for mandatory licensing to protect consumers as part of its Licence to Build campaign.
The victims, from areas including Chelmsford, Scotland, Milton Keynes, London, Surrey and beyond, described losing tens of thousands of pounds to unqualified traders who left them with dangerous work, abandoned projects and no route to compensation.
The event, hosted by Mark Garnier MP who has campaigned alongside the FMB to introduce licensing, was attended by MPs including; Mike Reader MP, the Government’s Construction Champion, Florence Eshalomi MP, Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, Bill Esterson MP, Chair of the Commons Energy Security Committee, along with Gideon Amos MP, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, who spoke directly with constituents who have been affected.
MPs were presented with new constituency-level data revealing the scale of consumer harm caused by the absence of builder regulation in the UK.
FMB research shows that UK homeowners have lost £14.3 billion to unqualified or unlicensed builders over the past five years, with victims often left in unsafe homes, facing months of legal battles and emotional distress.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said:
“Yesterday’s event brought the devastating impact of rogue builders directly to Westminster. We heard from victims who have lost life-changing sums of money, been left living in unsafe homes, and faced little hope of redress. This is not a niche issue it is affecting communities right across the UK and it was brilliant to see MPs from across the house engaging with this. Our research shows that billions have been lost and without proper regulation, this will only continue. That’s why we are calling on the Government to introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for builders, to drive up standards, protect consumers, and restore trust in the industry.”
A victim who attended added:
“It was reassuring to be in a room with others who have gone through the same experience for the first time, I didn’t feel alone. I never imagined I would end up in this situation. What started as an exciting home improvement turned into a nightmare and we lost tens of thousands of pounds, our home was left unsafe, and the stress has been overwhelming. There was nowhere to turn and no real protection. I came to Parliament to share my story because no one else should have to go through this. We need proper checks in place so people can trust who they are hiring.”
The drop-in event comes as the FMB intensifies its Licence to Build campaign, which calls for all construction companies to hold a valid licence demonstrating qualifications, insurance and adherence to standards before they can legally trade.
About the Federation of Master Builders
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level. The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members, providing a range of business building services to help them succeed. The FMB is committed to raising quality in the construction industry and members have to pass a professional vetting and independent inspection process. The FMB also offers a free service to consumers called ‘Find a Builder’. Please visit www.fmb.org.uk.
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The FMB constantly lobbies Government at all levels to boost output and raise standards of safety and professionalism in construction. To keep abreast of our campaigns and news, and to join the debate, follow us at @fmbuilder, find us on LinkedIn or like us at www.facebook.com/FederationofMasterBuilders.