The government appears to have snubbed the British Damage Management Association (BDMA) over its campaign against “cowboy” building contractors

The industry body asked to be consulted after deputy prime minister John Prescott called for better controls over sub-standard claims contractors managing flood restoration work.

The government has already held talks with the Association of British Insurers, but has not yet canvassed the views of the BDMA, loss adjusters or claims contractors.

This week, the BDMA received a letter from the department of the environment promising it would be contacted, but only if further talks are needed.

A spokeswoman for the trade body said the government's omission flew in the face of Prescott's pledge to consult claims management interests on the issue of “cowboy” builders.

She added the BDMA is “naturally disappointed” that the issue of professional restoration and recovery contractors is not on the government's agenda. But she added it has asked insurers for a summit on the issue.

BDMA chairman Greg French said: “We hope the government does not miss this golden opportunity to involve industry practitioners in developing a meaningful way forward which will benefit insurers and claimants.”

  • Aon Home Assistance (AHA) has become the first insurance company to sign up to the government's quality scheme for building contractors.

    The emergency repairs and claims services company is encouraging its 1,200 building contractors, which include plumbers, roofers, decorators and carpenters, to become members of the kite mark scheme.

    Fraiser Watts, quality assurance manager of AHA, which serves four million UK households, said it hoped the government scheme would set a benchmark for other building contractors to follow.

    “Aon has been involved in the government's quality scheme from the outset as we have always felt our customers could benefit from it.”

    He said all contractors belonging to Aon's contractor network are already vetted in terms of their health and safety, financial probity and insurance cover.


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