How to complain about a builder in Liverpool City Council

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 Liverpool City Council. 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

Liverpool City Council Trading Standards

Liverpool City Council operates a dedicated 'Report a trading standards issue' page alongside its Trading Standards section. The council's Trading Standards page: https://liverpool.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/ (verified 2026-09-03). Complaints are triaged nationally: the Citizens Advice consumer service passes your report to this council.

The council also publishes its own route: https://liverpool.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/report-a-trading-standards-issue/.

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://liverpool.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/report-a-trading-standards-issue/ (verified 2026-09-03).

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