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Licensing of Master Locksmiths
22 September 2021
Lead MP
Mark Pawsey
Rugby
Con
Responding Minister
Damian Hinds
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementHousingEmploymentLocal Government
Word Count: 3325
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Mark Pawsey raised concerns about licensing of master locksmiths in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr. Pawsey urges the Government to amend the Private Security Industry Act 2001 or introduce new legislation to require all locksmiths to be licensed, suggesting an industry-led scheme similar to the Gas Safe Register for gas plumbers.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr. Pawsey is concerned about the lack of regulation for locksmiths in the UK, highlighting that anyone can call themselves a locksmith without training or vetting. He mentions the soaring number of cases where consumers fall victim to rogue locksmiths who overcharge and provide poor service. Statistics from the Master Locksmiths Association show that two-thirds of its members have been called to repair work done by unaccredited locksmiths, with 65% reporting overcharging customers by £200 or more.
Greg Knight
Con
North East Cambridgeshire
A rogue locksmith often gets a job by submitting a very low estimate, then claims to find extra work during the job and raises the price. This results in customers receiving poor quality work at high prices. Mr. Knight highlighted that consumers are often severely overcharged by rogue locksmiths and may need remedial work from accredited locksmiths to correct the issues.
Government Response
Damian Hinds
Government Response
It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship for the first time, Ms Bardell. I warmly congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Rugby—and Bulkington—(Mark Pawsey) on securing this debate. The Government recognise the important service that locksmiths provide and the risk posed when standards are left unchecked. However, there is no evidence of unlicensed locksmiths contributing to neighbourhood crime such as burglary. The Master Locksmiths Association has a robust accreditation scheme approved by Secured by Design for vetting and inspecting approved locksmiths. Consumers can use information available on the association's website to ensure they receive quality work at fair rates. There is a consumer protection framework in place, including the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, which outlaws misleading practices and poor professional conduct with criminal penalties enforced by local authority trading standards officers. The Government are driving down crime through measures such as boosting police workforce, providing £45 million for safer streets fund to support areas disproportionately affected by burglary and theft, and a further £25 million for round 3 targeting the safety of public spaces, especially for women and girls. They also consider how to use the decent homes standard to keep social housing residents secure and are consulting on extending security requirements in part Q of the building regulations to existing homes too. The Government remain open to representations from trusted voices in the industry and encourage continued engagement with officials at the Home Office.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.