Following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation statement this morning, the next Prime Minister must turn pro-building rhetoric into real delivery, warning that small builders continue to face tough trading conditions despite housing being placed high on the political agenda, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Rising costs, employment challenges, planning delays, weak consumer confidence and falling housing numbers are all holding back the ability of small local firms to build the homes Britain needs.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Over the course of Sir Keir Starmer’s time as Prime Minister it was welcome to see a pro-building agenda placed at the heart of his government's plans. But words only go so far, and ambition has not yet resulted in delivery on the ground. Small builders continue to face tough trading conditions, with rising costs, employment troubles, planning delays, weak consumer confidence and stalling housing numbers all holding back growth. The next Prime Minister must keep the nation's small builders at the heart of the Government’s work. They will need a much stronger focus on delivery, cutting barriers to building, and creating the conditions for small local firms, who make up the majority of the industry.”
