Cowboy builders continue to cause major financial and emotional harm, often exploiting customers through upfront demands, pressure tactics and misleading claims about necessary work. The government plans to tackle the problem with a register of trusted traders and a Trusted Payment app, though these measures cannot prevent rogue operators from trading entirely.

Sheri Ingram paid about £14,000 to a builder who dismantled much of a house before disappearing; he was later jailed for six years after defrauding nine people of £400,000. Citizens Advice says 4.8 million homeowners experienced problems with repairs in the previous 18 months, while 1.7 million paid extra to correct work or were overcharged, losing an average of £750. The proposed app would delay milestone payments, hold money in escrow, provide two-year warranties for projects over £2,500 and exclude traders who ignore ombudsman rulings.