INDUSTRY UPDATE NEWS
‘Builders need a licence to work’
A cross-party group of MPs has called for a nationwide licensing scheme for builders working on home energy upgrades, in a move they say will rebuild trust and raise standards in the retrofit sector. The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, in its latest report, Retrofitting Homes for Net Zero , warned that poor regulation is fuelling consumer hesitation, with many homeowners unsure who to trust with costly home improvements. “Licensing building companies is a fantastic idea,” said Committee Chair Bill
It recommends penalties and revoking licences to enforce quality. Supporters include the FMB, whose CEO Brian Berry said: “Mandatory licensing will drive out rogue traders, protect consumers, and elevate the image of construction as a skilled, respected profession.” The government is exploring licensing for contractors on high-rise projects post-Grenfell, but the committee urges expansion across the domestic sector— though it remains unclear if ministers will extend the scheme amid concerns over red tape and delays.
Esterson MP. “It protects the good traders… and also protects the consumer.” The proposed scheme would require all contractors undertaking retrofit work – including insulation and double glazing installations – to be licensed and accredited. A small registration fee would also help fund a national advice service, guiding consumers to certified workers. The lack of protections has allowed rogue traders to operate unimpeded, the report says, citing insulation scandals and grant scheme failures as examples of why stronger regulation is needed.
Construction coalition slams nature levy backlash
A powerful coalition of over 80 developers, environmental experts, legal professionals and conservationists is urging the government to abandon a clause in its Planning & Infrastructure Bill, warning that it risks harm to nature and the integrity of the planning system. Part 3 of the bill proposes allowing developers to bypass on-site biodiversity
increased delays and legal uncertainty, and argue the bill ignores the causes of planning inefficiency – underfunded councils and red tape – not environmental safeguards. The coalition rejects the levy as an alternative, arguing that “the private sector has proven its ability to innovate and scale environmental markets” and should remain central to nature recovery efforts.
harm to nature, to the integrity of the planning system, and to investor and public confidence.” The letter cites warnings from the Office for Environmental Protection, which said the proposals would “reduce the level of environmental protection” under current law. Concerns extend beyond conservation. Developers fear
net gain (BNG) obligations by paying into a central nature levy, administered by Natural England. Critics argue this would amount to a “pay to pollute” scheme that undermines environmental protections. In a letter, the coalition writes: “We collectively call on the government to pause and rethink this legislation before it does irreversible
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