Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2024 2:42pm
In my opinion, your 'only option is to report him for none payment of tax on my job' is more like revenge than actually resolving the situation.
As per Roland's comment, if you have 'evidence', which I would assume is WhatsApp or text messages, then equally he would have evidence that you knew and aided the evasion of tax, so you would also be in a difficult legal position.
However, you do have another option...
Most businesses (including self-employed tradesmen) have to provide Complaints Forms by law. Firstly, I would ask him to provide a Complaints Form, then, if he refuses, tell him that you will go to the local Police (they can report him and he would be fined for not providing a complaints form). This may trigger a response. If he still refuses then you need to back up your words with actions and report him to the Police. Obviously, this would best be done when you are here, rather than try and do it from the UK, but if you have lost a lot of money, I would suggest it's worth the price of a flight and a couple of nights in a hotel to do so. This does rely on you having a business or personal address for him.
If he provides a Complaints Form, then follow that process with the Consumer Affairs department at the council. Normally, they will require him to rectify faulty work (which I accept might be difficult if you've got to this stage and lost faith in each other). Alternatively, you should get quotes for someone else to do the required works and the council may agree with him, or order him, to pay that sum to you (note - not refund what you paid him, bu the cost of rectifying the work). He may, of course, give you your money back (minus the cost of any reusable materials) just to get rid of you.
Hope this helps!
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