The council launched the North Lincolnshire Home Services Directory – a directory of vetted traders - in October 2004. The launch formed part of National Consumer Week 2004.
Aims and objectives
It is difficult for customers, especially those who are vulnerable, to know if they are dealing with traders who:
- Comply with all the rules and regulations that apply to their business
- Operate in a fair and honest way
- Offer high standards of workmanship.
The Home Services Directory aims to tackle these problems.
As members of the scheme, traders must consider its purpose. The scheme is about providing protection for North Lincolnshire consumers. There is an emphasis on protecting the older and more vulnerable members of society.
Members of the scheme must sign an agreement to trade fairly and adopt certain working practices. The aim is to ensure a level of service that reflects good practice and satisfies most customers, while promoting standards that traders also regard as reasonable.
Assessment procedure
Traders can apply for membership in various categories of work:
- Builders
- Carpet fitters
- Drainage
- Driveways
- Electricians
- Gardeners
- Glazing
- Handy people
- Joiners
- Mobile hairdressers
- Painters/decorators
- Pest control
- Plumbers
- Roofers
- Security installers.
Other trades will be considered on request.
Applicants must go through a vetting process. This includes:
- Police check for traders and employees
- County court judgement (CCJ) check
- Trading standards check for any customer complaints
- References
- Proof of appropriate public liability insurance
- Legislation compliance check on company stationery
- Proof that business has been established for a minimum of six months.
The following criteria is also considered:
- Relevant qualifications
- Membership of trade associations
- Experience in trade.
Traders are excluded from the scheme if:
- The police check reveals any relevant cautions or convictions
- The applicant is found to have a relevant county court judgement recorded against them
- Trading standards has a history of complaints about the applicant that makes them unsuitable for membership
- The applicant has falsely claimed membership of a trade association
- The applicant is dishonestly claiming to have qualifications.
Find out more from the Home Services Directory website.
The application pack is available to download. The police form and the CCJ check form are not included in the download. You can collect a police check form from any Humberside Police station and request a CCJ form by emailing info@registry-trust.org.uk.
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If you would like to join the scheme or if you require any more information please contact the Trading Standards.
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