« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Volume 6
Existing schemes
1.6. A number of schemes currently exist in Scotland. These are primarily served at a local level through Trading Standards officers in local authorities. The only specific Scottish scheme is the Construction Licensing Executive ( CLE) scheme, which is the only one in Scotland to operate at a national level. For more information on the role of these schemes and their structure please see Annex A.
1.7. Trading Standards and CLE seem to address similar matters, but from a different perspective. Trading Standards helps consumers know whether a local trader has a local track record, while CLE encourages the construction industry to strive towards becoming a professionally regulated and qualified sector. In terms of membership, many of the schemes we spoke to operating at a local level have a steady uptake of both traders wishing to join the scheme and of the local community wishing to use it. CLE has a membership of 1,500 traders throughout Scotland, but coverage of certain sectors of the construction industry is patchy and there is limited geographical coverage in some areas of the country.
1.8. A strong aspiration of establishing a trusted trader framework accessible by everyone in Scotland is to ensure universal coverage for all sectors of the construction industry throughout Scotland. While it is not the intention to reinvent what already is operational in Scotland, there is a desire to 'raise the game' in terms of meeting the public's expectations of the level of service and choice available to them. There is strong overlap between the schemes already operating in Scotland and there is scope for joining up. A new framework needs to recognise the existing schemes and the role they serve. However it must also address the areas where the current schemes do not deliver on the needs and expectations of the public.
1.9. CLE describes itself as a national scheme, aimed at having all traders licensed so standards in the construction industry are effectively regulated and consumers have a healthy source of credible construction businesses in Scotland. Its mission is to give assurance to consumers, improve standards in the construction industry, and to remove the rogue trader by giving consumers a choice of reputable companies.
1.10. Joining CLE involves meeting high accreditation standards. While this can only be positive, it needs to be an aspect of the framework which promotes rather than discourages traders from joining.
1.11. On the other hand, the local level schemes have accreditation criteria which do not meet all of the same standards as those of CLE. There are valid reasons for this. One of which is the need to ensure take up of the scheme by traders. Simple, effective minimum standards are very useful, but alone would only concentrate on those traders who are untrustworthy and those who carry out sub-standard work. Such standards would not promote the development of skills within the industry. Homeowners need choice, quality and value when identifying a trader. This means creating an open and transparent framework, offering skilled and trustworthy traders.
« Previous | Contents | Next »