Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with online advertising platforms regarding the adequacy of safeguards in place to prevent rogue locksmiths from using their advertising services.

There have been no recent discussion with online platforms on this specific matter. However, the department regularly engages with stakeholders on issues affecting consumers.

Online platforms must comply with The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. The Act clarifies that online platforms must exercise professional diligence in relation to consumer transactions promoted or made on their platforms. The legislation carries criminal penalties and is enforced by Trading Standards officers and the CMA.

The Government encourages consumers to use providers that operate under a regulated trusted trader scheme, such as the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), which has a Police Crime Prevention-approved licensing scheme in place to ensure approved locksmiths are appropriately vetted, inspected and qualified.