‘Disappointment’ was the first reaction from the industry to the King’s Speech as FMB chief exec Brian Berry declared it a missed opportunity with nothing to encourage more homes and address the national housing crisis.
“It is disappointing that that there was nothing of note in the King’s Speech to address the alarming decline in housebuilding rates across the country or any new plans to improve the nation’s draughty and leaky homes,” he said.
“At a time when we need to be focusing on economic growth the absence of ambition to build more homes and improve the ones we have is a missed opportunity.
He continued: “The King’s Speech reference to plans to regenerate towns across the UK is promising but without the detail the jury is still out about whether this will benefit local builders. A clear commitment from the Government to engage with SMEs would have helped provide more assurance at a time when enquiries for new building work are falling by as much as 40%.”
“More encouraging is the Government’s lead to improve the quality of technical education in this country with its focus on enhancing skills and vocational training, ensuring that everybody can receive the best possible education, through the new Advanced British Standard qualification. This has long been an issue of great importance to SME builders looking to recruit staff and grow their businesses.”
