How to complain about a builder in London Borough of Islington

The short answer: complain to the builder in writing first, then report to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer service — it passes reports to London Borough of Islington. Enforcement is their lever; your money comes from the civil route.

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-03

Step 1 — Complain to the builder (in writing, dated)

One page: what was agreed, what went wrong (dated facts), what you want, a 14-day deadline. The full structure: letter before action. Keep proof of posting and every reply.

Step 2 — Report to Trading Standards

London Borough of Islington Trading Standards

Trading Standards page verified live (HTTP 200) during the 2026-09-04 bulk council wave. Consumer complaints reach the team via the Citizens Advice consumer service. The council's Trading Standards page: https://www.islington.gov.uk/advice/consumer-advice (verified 2026-09-04). Complaints are triaged nationally: the Citizens Advice consumer service passes your report to this council.

Step 3 — Protect your money in parallel

Trading Standards does not recover money. In parallel: the money-back route map — card section 75, chargeback, then small claims.

Evidence while you wait

The evidence file — contract, payments, dated photos, full message threads. Project-specific: extensions, loft conversions, roofing, kitchens, bathrooms, driveways.

Independent information directory — not legal advice.

Sources: Citizens Advice consumer service; https://www.islington.gov.uk/advice/consumer-advice (verified 2026-09-04).

Reviewed by Sean McNamara · 2026-09-03 · Independent information directory — not legal advice.