The MP for the Isle of Wight West has given his backing to the Federation of Master Builders' campaign for licensing building companies. Richard Quigley MP argues proper regulation in the sector would protect consumers and support legitimate tradespeople.
Speaking on the FMB podcast Build up from the Basement, Mr Quigley addressed the urgent need for reform in an industry where rogue operators can devastate families' finances and dreams of home ownership. The MP spoke about his constituents on the Isle of Wight who have fallen victim to unscrupulous builders:
"When you've got constituents coming to you saying 'we've been a victim of a rogue builder,' you're not talking about a couple hundred quid. You're talking about people who've lost £30,000, £40,000, £50,000 and are not in a position where their home is what they wanted—or even safe."
Highlighting the current regulatory gap, he noted: "At the minute, there's nothing to stop anyone setting up as a builder. You could set up as builders tomorrow."
When asked if he supported licensing building companies, Mr Quigley MP threw his full support behind it - "No decent builder will be against it - good builders want to be distinguished from the rogues. They want customers to have confidence in their work and qualifications."
His support comes as the government is expected to respond soon to the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee's (ESNZ) - recommendation for licensing in the retrofit sector, following the ESNZ Committee's findings on the urgent need for consumer protection in home improvement works.
CEO of the Federation of Master Builders, Brian Berry said:
"I am delighted that the MP for the Isle of Wight West, Richard Quigley has openly backed the FMB’s campaign for the licensing of building companies.
"We need to get the issue on the Government's agenda as soon as possible - whilst continuing to drum up support in Parliament, from all sides of the house on this vital issue of rogue builders.
"Too many people across the country right are being affected by rogue companies often with terrible consequences such as losing their life savings and suffering huge emotional stress as a result. A staggering £14.3bn has been lost to rogue traders over the last five years. A mandatory licensing scheme of building companies is the only way to protect homeowners and reputable builders.”
Beyond licensing, Richard Quigley MP used the platform to champion the value of local, SME building firms and skilled trades. With the Isle of Wight facing a housing crisis -2,400 households on waiting lists and 800 people in emergency accommodation - he stressed the vital role of smaller builders.
"We've relied on big builders, but if one of them falls over or is under financial pressure, developments don't happen. I cherish the smaller builders. They provide innovation and different offerings, and they're probably key to achieving net zero."
Mr Quigley outlined his ambitious vision for the island's future: "Every islander deserves the right to their own front door, whether it's rented, mixed tenure, bought, whatever that looks like."
Facing a demographic challenge where only 35% of the population will be of working age in 15 years, the MP stressed the need for cultural change:
"There's no such thing as a menial job—there are menial attitudes towards people. We need to respect trades again. Without these people, we don't have the secure homes we need."
