Nearly three years on, debate over what was known before the Hamas attack continues to fuel demands for answers and accountability. Share Nearly three years after the 7 October attacks, one question continues to haunt public debate: could the tragedy have been prevented? As more testimony, intelligence reports, media investigations and political statements emerge, scrutiny remains fixed on whether Israeli authorities possessed warnings that pointed to an impending Hamas operation and, if so, whether those warnings were adequately acted upon. At the centre of the discussion is the Nova music festival, held near the Gaza border, where hundreds of civilians found themselves caught in one of the deadliest attacks in Israel's history. The debate has been fuelled by reports that Israeli intelligence had received indications of Hamas planning a major assault prior to 7 October. Critics argue that the sophistication of the attack, combined with the hea...
Burnham Backs Tougher Rules to Stop Builders Taking Deposits and Disappearing
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New scheme would hold customer payments securely and release funds only as work is completed
Households who fear handing thousands of pounds to a builder only to be left with an unfinished kitchen, exposed walls or a contractor who suddenly disappears could soon have greater protection. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced government backing for a new system designed to tackle so-called “cowboy builders”, promising to make it harder for rogue tradespeople to take large deposits and walk away before completing the work.
Under the proposal outlined by Burnham, customers would have the option of having their money held securely rather than handing the full payment directly to a tradesperson. Funds would then be released gradually as agreed stages of the work are completed. “Do the work, get paid. It’s as simple as that,” Burnham said, arguing that the measure would protect householders while ensuring reputable builders are properly rewarded for work they complete.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham picture of a tweet backing a new protected payment system designed to stop ‘cowboy builders’ taking large deposits and abandoning work, saying the plan will ensure builders are paid only when each stage is properly completed.
The plan also aims to distinguish trustworthy tradespeople from rogue operators. Burnham said builders meeting a new set of standards would be able to demonstrate to customers that they work properly and can be trusted in people’s homes. It is an important distinction: the overwhelming majority of builders earn their living legitimately, but the financial and emotional consequences for families who encounter a rogue trader can be devastating. Home improvements can involve life savings, loans and months of disruption, leaving victims particularly vulnerable when projects go wrong.
But the announcement raises important questions that will determine whether the policy becomes genuine consumer protection or simply another layer of bureaucracy. Who will hold the money? What happens when a customer and builder disagree over whether a stage has been completed satisfactorily?
How quickly will legitimate tradespeople receive payment, and what safeguards will prevent homeowners from unfairly withholding money after work has been carried out? The success of any scheme will depend heavily on those details.
Burnham has presented the initiative as part of a wider effort to ease cost-of-living pressures and restore confidence in everyday services. For homeowners, however, the test will be far simpler than the politics surrounding it: whether the system actually prevents families from losing thousands of pounds while allowing honest builders to continue earning a fair living without unnecessary obstacles. If it works, it could change one of the most anxiety-filled transactions many households ever make. If it does not, rogue traders will simply look for the next loophole.
