Government launches database of trusted tradespeople and protection system

The government will launch a new database of trusted tradespeople and a payment‑protection system next month. The initiative is aimed at giving consumers a reliable way to identify vetted professionals and ensuring that their money is safeguarded during a job.

The database will list tradespeople who meet a set of industry‑approved standards, including licensing, insurance and customer‑review thresholds. When a customer hires a listed professional, the payment‑protection system will hold the funds until the work is completed to the customer’s satisfaction, releasing the money only after confirmation of satisfactory completion or refunding it if the job is not finished. The system is expected to reduce fraud, improve transparency and streamline dispute resolution.

By combining a vetted directory with secure payment handling, the launch seeks to boost consumer confidence in home improvement projects and support the trades sector’s reputation for quality and accountability.