The House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero (ESNZ) select committee has backed the initiative in a new report about retrofitting housing stock for sustainability gains.

The FMB has been calling for such a licensing scheme to boost standards and protect both traders and consumers alike.

This was the focus of a report issued earlier this week by the trade body, with construction standards increasingly coming under scrutiny.

The recent publication of findings from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry also called for the implementation of licensing for contractors working on high-risk buildings.

“A lack of basic regulation is holding our industry back,” said Brian Berry, CEO at the FMB.

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“Mandatory licensing will drive out rogue traders, protect consumers from poor workmanship, elevate the image of construction as a skilled, respected profession, and build a safer, higher-quality built environment for everyone.

“Delivering real change will require major political will, and today’s ESNZ Committee report is vital step, which I hope the government will now support.”

Bill Esterson MP, chair of the ESNZ select committee, called licensing builders a “fantastic idea.”

“Getting to the point where we have a scheme where the consumer can buy with confidence to see quality delivered is really important in energy efficiency and wider home improvement and building work,” he added.

“It protects the good traders, which is the vast majority of those in the building trade and has the benefit of also protecting the consumer.

“I look forward to working with industry and the government in ensuring this can become a reality."