FMB Scotland Calls for Cabinet-Level Minister for Construction & Infrastructure Following Scottish Election
Following the Scottish Parliament election, FMB Scotland has urged the incoming Scottish Government to place construction at the center of its policy agenda by appointing a dedicated Cabinet-level Minister for Construction and Infrastructure.
Commenting on the election result, Gordon Nelson, Director of FMB Scotland, said:
Gordon Nelson, FMB Scotland Director said:
“With the largest number of new MSPs since the first election of 1999 and Reform becoming the joint second largest party in the Scottish Parliament, the aftermath of the election has seen a lot of change. At the same time though there is continuity. The SNP have now won five elections in a row and return as a minority government. We will be engaging with all the political parties to explain the asks in our Builders’ Manifesto for Scotland 2026.’ This sets out the key priorities for Micro and SME builders over the next 5 years. These include measures to boost house building rates, deliver a nationwide retrofit programme, initiatives on apprenticeships and skills and introducing minimum standards for builders.
"One quick action the Scottish Government can take to support the industry is to appoint a Cabinet-level Minister for Construction & Infrastructure. The construction industry accounts for 10% of the economy and employs over 200,000 people yet has no dedicated political lead at Cabinet level. If the new Scottish Government is serious about upgrading our homes, delivering renewable energy infrastructure, and building the housing we desperately need, they must give construction the Cabinet-level leadership it deserves."
FMB Scotland is calling on the next Scottish Government to:
* Appoint a Cabinet-level Minister for Construction & Infrastructure
* Develop a comprehensive construction sector strategy that addresses housing, retrofit and energy efficiency, infrastructure, and skills
* Ensure construction is represented in all major policy discussions affecting the built environment from gordon nelson director of scoland
NOTES TO EDITORS
About the Federation of Master Builders
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level. The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members, providing a range of business building services to help them succeed. The FMB is committed to raising quality in the construction industry and members have to pass a professional vetting and independent inspection process. The FMB also offers a free service to consumers called ‘Find a Builder’. Please visit www.fmb.org.uk.
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