The importance given to housing in the Conservative Party manifesto should be applauded but it will be important for the next government to remain focused on housing supply as well as housing ownership, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “There is a lot to welcome in the Conservative manifesto, above all its determined focus on improving access to the market for first time buyers. Affordability for first time buyers is crucial
The Labour Manifesto published today shows a welcome recognition of the economic and social importance of building more homes, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “By comparing this Labour manifesto with the last, you can see how far the debate on housing has come in the past five years. Although the Labour Party’s 2010 manifesto placed a clear emphasis on the importance of increasing home ownership and providing better, more affordable
The Green Party has today pledged to cut VAT on housing repairs and renovations. Currently the VAT rate on repairs and renovations is 20% but, with the UK housing stock in desperate need of improvements such as insulation, a coalition led by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has been calling for a reduction to 5%, the lowest level allowed by European rules. The latest independent economic research from Experian shows that a reduction in VAT on housing renovation and
Easter weekend marks the start for many homeowners carrying out home repairs and renovation work. Typically this involves getting the builders in, which can be a stressful experience, which is why it is important when choosing a builder to make sure you forge a good relationship right from the start, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “We’ve spoken to a lot of homeowners recently who are planning home improvements this spring, but
Public support for new house building is increasing and needs to be addressed if we are to tackle Britain’s growing housing crisis, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to new findings from the British Social Attitudes Survey. The survey findings reveal that the number of people saying that they oppose new house building in their area has fallen from 46% in 2010 to 21% in 2014, and those supportive of new homes in their area has risen from
Conservative Party plans to deliver 200,000 new homes for first-time buyers is a welcome ambition but needs to be delivered by a range of builders to ensure good quality design and diversity, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “The FMB supports the ambition of the Starter Homes policy to improve options and affordability for first time buyers. This is a model which can be made to work, but it will be important
The Local Government Association’s (LGA) newly launched local government construction procurement strategy sets the framework for improving public procurement for small and micro firms, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The LGA launched the Construction Category Strategy earlier this month. It is intended to support a more focused approach to what is a key spending area for local government and a major source of employment across the country. The LGA hopes the strategy will highlight new developments and ideas
A construction skills time bomb is ticking, with skills shortages on the increase across a number of trades and professions, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Results from the FMB’s latest State of Trade Survey for Q4 2014 show small construction firms are experiencing particular difficulties recruiting carpenters, joiners and bricklayers. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “As the shock waves from the latest economic downturn continue to reverberate through the construction sector, concerns over diminished workloads have
The future of the construction industry hangs in the balance following today’s government announcement on apprenticeship funding reforms, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Today’s announcement by the Skills Minister offers no clarity or reassurance regarding the future of apprenticeship funding. Despite the business community – across many sectors – repeatedly warning government of the potential impact of their proposed reforms on the desire and ability of SMEs to train apprentices,
A drop in “do-it-yourself” activity among home owners could lead to a rise in rogue builders, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The news that 41% of home owners would rather pay for a professional than carry out DIY comes as no surprise – we Britons are working longer hours and many people don’t want to spend what little free time they have battling with shelves and wrestling with rolls of wallpaper,
