Labour MP Backs Licence to Build Campaign

AN MP IS BACKING a campaign for licensing building companies conducted by the Federation of Master Builders.

Details of how a mandatory licensing scheme would work – and how much it would cost traders – were set out by the FMB in May 2025.

Licence to Build Campaign

Richard Quigley MP for the Isle of Wight West says proper regulation of builders would protect consumers and support legitimate tradespeople.

He said there is an 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 added: “At the minute, there’s nothing to stop anyone setting up as a builder. You could set up as builders tomorrow.”

No Decent Builder Will Be Against It

Expressing his support of the campaign for licensing building companies, the MP ended: “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. The recommendation stems from the ESNZ Committee’s findings on the urgent need for consumer protection in home improvement works.

Rogue Traders

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.”

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