25th May 2010 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The new Government’s legislative programme is a promising start to helping get the UK back on the road to economic recovery, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today’s Queen’s Speech.
Richard Diment, Director-General of the FMB said:
“The Government’s overriding commitment to tackle the budget deficit and restore economic growth is the right approach to help small businesses struggling to survive in the current economic climate. The commitment to improving the energy efficiency of our existing homes is a welcome boost to help the building industry as it has the potential to unlock a new market worth between £3.5bn and £6.5bn a year. “
Diment continued :
“Measures to facilitate flexible working are also welcome news to small businesses who are often weighed down by excessive regulation. Employment flexibility is an essential component in the building industry’s capability to deliver and we hope this will extend to proposals for any reform of the Construction Industry Scheme as failure to do so could have catastrophic consequences for an essential industry still in recession.”
Diment concluded:
“Reducing excessive regulation is good but measures to devolve powers to local communities on planning and housing will need to be carefully considered otherwise they pose the danger of stopping new homes being built at precisely the time when we need them most. We mustn’t lose sight of the need to build more homes given the current housing crisis with 4. 5 million people on social housing waiting lists.”
