With Andy Burnham MP days away from becoming the next Prime Minister, and the economy in stagnation, a focus on a series of delivery measures that will stimulate building activity in the housing market will be critical if he is to succeed in office, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “With the fall in the number of new homes being built, Burnham needs to concentrate on rolling out a series of practical measures that will unlock the potential of the nation's small builders, which should include diversifying the housing market; tackling the construction skills shortage; supporting the rollout of energy efficiency upgrades of existing homes; and creating the business conditions needed for small businesses to thrive.”
Berry continued: “While recent years have seen welcome commitments on housing, planning reform, and economic growth, delivery is still lacking, and many small construction firms continue to face significant barriers, including rising costs, skills shortages, planning delays, and weak consumer confidence. Builders will be looking to the new government to match ambition with delivery and create the conditions that will allow SMEs to thrive. The UK cannot meet its housing ambitions without a diverse housing market, and that means giving smaller house builders a much greater role in delivering the homes the country needs, including through opportunities in the social and affordable housing sector."
Berry concluded: "Greater progress is also needed to introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for domestic building companies to drive up standards and improve consumer confidence. Small building companies are rooted in their local communities and, if supported in the right way, stand ready to play their full part in delivering the homes, jobs and economic growth that are needed all across the country."
