UK ELECTION
Jeremy Gray, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the FMB, reviews the key policy areas the FMB asked of the Government in its Builders’
Manifesto, ‘Growth from the ground up’
WHAT LABOUR’S WIN MEANS FOR YOU
T he Labour Party has taken power, ushering in a new era of British politics, following 14 years of Conservative Party control in Westminster. With such a majority, it should mean Labour’s agenda will be implemented at pace. The party has plenty of ambitious plans to keep builders busy, but with fewer people joining the industry and skilled tradespeople stretched thin, will its ambitions really be achievable? Or could this be a much- needed kickstart for our industry? Building more homes Housing was a pivotal issue in this election, with many arguing that too many years of too few homes being built played a key role in sinking the Conservative Party. Labour has bold plans in this space, including delivering one and a half million homes over five years – a big ask, considering the country has consistently failed to meet targets that would bring this figure into reality. Behind the headline figure, there is much to like, including: ● reforming the planning system to make it easier to build homes; and
small and medium-sized house builders who generally prefer to use smaller, brownfield sites for their developments, rather than ploughed fields, which larger developers often use. There is also the much talked about ‘grey belt’ – the name Labour is calling poor-quality green belt sites – that will be opened up for development. The FMB is waiting to see what this plan will truly look like in reality.
● providing increased direct government funding for planning officers – which has been a key request of the FMB. The Labour Party has also made brownfield sites a core part of its plan to deliver new homes. The direction of focus means developments planned for green belt areas will be less favoured than those marked for brownfield sites. The change is important – and could be a bonus for
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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