07/03/2024 - Roofer pleads guilty for fraudulent roof works
Following an investigation by Luton Trading Standards, a roofer has been sentenced for false claims and charging for work he did not do.
Mr Whittaker, Director of Direct Roofing Specialists Limited, had worked in Luton and took payments for roofing work on the day his company had dissolved, in October 2021. In addition, he didn’t notify the consumer in writing that they were entitled to a 14-day cooling off period. After taking money for materials, he walked away from the job and would not come back to complete it.
The work was of a poor standard and cost the homeowner £5,000 to rectify.
Giving a discount for a guilty plea, the Magistrate ordered Mr Whittaker to pay the consumer a £5,000 Compensation Order in which he has 12 months to pay.
Councillor Maria Lovell, Portfolio Holder for Trading Standards said: “It just isn’t acceptable for roofers or other businesses to mislead customers and abuse their trust. Our Trading Standards team are here to protect residents from the actions of rogue traders.
“We advise anybody who is looking for a reliable trader to always get a number of detailed quotes, avoid paying large payments up front, check with friends and family for trusted recommendations and consider a trading standards’ approved trader.”
For further information and advice, visit the Citizens Advice website.