A new sentencing guideline published last week has been welcomed by TrustMark, the government-endorsed quality mark for reputable tradesmen, as it could mean tougher sentencing for rogue traders who defraud and rip off the public.

TrustMark contributed to the Sentencing Council’s consultation last year and endorsed a revised framework for sentencing that will affect rogue traders who operate on the black market and win business by fraudulently using registration marks.