New 'Scambuster' teams need extra support
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Federation of Master Builders (FMB) product story
Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team
Feb 6, 2008
Federation of Master Builders is supporting the Government's new 'scambuster' initiative and has called upon them to do more to wage war on the rogue builders.
Richard Diment, FMB Director General said: "Last year over GBP1.36 billion was stolen by cowboy builders from unsuspecting householders across Britain".
"Cowboy builders flourish by evading VAT and offering the customer a cheap deal as a result".
"But all too often, these rogues disappear with deposits, perform shoddy work and cannot be found when there are complaints".
"Without a proper written contract, the enforcement of consumers' rights becomes almost impossible".
"The FMB's Beware of Door Knockers campaign advises householders on how to spot and get rid or a rogue trader if they do knock on your door".
The FMB is also campaigning for a reduction in the rate of VAT on domestic building work, which, it believes, will aid the Scambuster initiative.
Richard Diment explained: "Reducing the rate of VAT on domestic building work to five per cent will significantly reduce the commercial advantage of the VAT evading trader".
"The financial incentive to choose a rogue will diminish and a level playing field will emerge instead".
"In time, this will drive the rogue traders out of the market as customers focus on quality and value not just price".
Diment concluded: "The proper enforcement of the existing VAT law is not a viable option, as it would mean a VAT Inspector in every home".
"Cutting the rate of VAT is the only way to ensure the eviction of rogue builders".
"We have seen recently on the Isle of Man that a reduced rate of VAT in this area can lead to a reduction in the number of cowboy builders.".
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