INDUSTRY UPDATE VIEWPOINT
Viewpoint
The FMB gives its viewpoint on the headlines affecting the construction sector
‘Grey belt’ proposal is promising
Struggling in a difficult economy
The Labour Party’s proposal to introduce ‘grey belt’ development is an important initiative to deliver more homes. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “While brownfield land should be prioritised, introducing new measures to create more buildable land is vital, particularly small sites for local house builders, as this will create more diverse, quality housing. “More detail is needed about the proposal, particularly as to how ‘poor-quality and ugly areas’ are to be classified as grey belt. However, we know that many small sites in green belt areas, such as disused car parks and petrol stations, would be perfectly suitable for housing. Unlocking small sites would present significant opportunities, and these proposals must be
Survey responses from the ONS research suggested this was down to poor weather conditions, with heavy rainfall hindering many projects, and we’ll have to see if warmer spring weather brings a welcome boost for builders.” Berry concluded: “As we head into the drier months, the Government needs to take this opportunity to boost construction activity, which could take the form of stepping up house building and offering support to homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient. These two measures would help drive economic growth.”
The 1.9 per cent fall in construction output, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), is a warning that the construction sector is still battling a difficult economic climate. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “It is concerning to see another decline in construction output. While growth had been recorded in January, these figures underline the challenging winter period that UK construction has faced. “It is particularly concerning that this decline was in part led by a drop in repair and maintenance work, a sector that had been doing well last year, compared with other sub-sectors.
Calls for Cabinet Minister for Housing
supported with increased funding to support SME housebuilders through the planning system.”
A dedicated Secretary of State for Housing is needed to tackle the housing crisis amidst the falling number of new homes being built and the failure to retrofit the UK’s existing 29 million homes. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “As we approach the General Election, the new Government needs to address the housing crisis. Without an adequate supply of homes people can’t move freely, which stifles growth and opportunities. The FMB’s General Election manifesto calls on the new Government to boost house building rates, tackle the skills crisis, support energy efficiency upgrades and introduce a licensing scheme for builders. “The next Government should ensure the profession finally rids itself of cowboy builders. It’s not right that anyone can call themselves a builder without any minimum level of competence. We want to see the new Government work with the industry to make this a reality.”
15
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker