Since the FMB launched the Licence to Build campaign in 2018 a lot has changed. In England and Wales, the Building Safety Act came into force in 2023 and in 2024 the Grenfell Phase 2 report was published with recommendation 21 being:
...”the introduction of a licensing scheme operated by the construction regulator for principal contractors wishing to undertake the construction or refurbishment of higher risk buildings”
The FMB continues to argue that a licence to build for domestic building companies would protect consumers, create a level playing field for members, and drive-up standards. Across the UK, there is strong support from members for licensing. Surveys show that over 86% of members support the introduction of a licence to build.
Building Standards in Scotland
In Scotland there is ongoing work on strengthening our separate building standards system. This is where the FMB has taken steps to ensure that we have a voice, through being on the Building Standards Futures Board. We also chair the Compliance Plan Working Group and one of your Scotland Board members will be invited to join the Certification Working group.
Now this does sound very dry! but the relevant point is that the FMB continues to have seats at the right tables, so that we can voice and help shape how a licensing system for domestic building companies would operate in Scotland.
In November 2024 we hosted a discussion on licensing construction at the Scottish Parliament. I delivered a presentation setting out the arguments for licensing building companies and how it could potentially work in Scotland. Members attended to express their support and views on licensing. This summer I was on the Hard Hat Talks podcast, where quizzed by Kenneth Martin from Block Architects, I talked about how licensing for builders could work in Scotland. Have a listen here!
Scotland's actions from the Grenfell report
There is now encouragement that the Scottish Government accepts recommendation 21 from the Grenfell Phase 2 Report saying “we will work with the UK Government on the development of a UK national licensing scheme for principal contractors which could be of equal value in Scotland.”
Just last week, Scotland’s Building Standards Division confirmed that they have asked the UK Government for an update on progress regarding a licensing of contractors scheme.
Of course, the FMB is focusing the campaign for a UK licensing system for domestic building contractors.
Another key milestone in the journey towards licensing should happen this autumn when a second reading of MP Mark Garnier’s Private Members’ bill on the subject is scheduled at Westminster. The outcome of that will provide an indication of the political appetite of the UK Government for licensing.
If ultimately the UK Government didn’t legislate on licensing through the powers it has over consumer protection, we are well positioned in Scotland to shape how licensing could operate through the building standards system.
Authors
Gordon Nelson
Director, Federation of Master Builders Scotland
