March Releases
Make Your Mind up Gordon Brown - Affordable Rural Housing or More Tax Revenue? Asks the Federation of Master Builders
Construction companies should be compelled to train apprentices if they want government work says the Federation of Master Builders
World Wildlife Fund joins Federation of Master Builders in calling for a Cut in VAT
Cut VAT to bring empty buildings back into use, demands the Federation of Master Builders
Housing targets require cut in planning red tape, warns the Federation of Master Builders
David Cameron backs FMB's Building a Greener Britain campaign
The Federation of Master Builders Says Yes to Birmingham's "No Cold Calling Zones"
Boris Johnson's Vision for London's Housing Offers Fresh Thinking, says Federation of Master Builders
Cut the VAT Coalition disappointed with EU's rejection for lowered green VAT charge
Cut the VAT Coalition dissapointed by "Green" budget
FMB Budget Briefing
Green Budget Won't Create Greener Homes, warns the Federation of Master Builders
Minister for Employment and Learning opens new Federation of Master Builders office in Northern Ireland
Heritage Link Adds Its support to 'Cut the VAT' campaign
Countryside should not be a playground for the rich, warns Federation of Master Builders'
Nick Clegg adds his support to the 'Building a Greener Britain' campaign
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The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is demanding that the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown MP, decides what he wants from the house building industry - affordable housing or tax revenue - as part of the planned review of building low cost homes in the countryside.
Brian Berry, FMB Director of External Affairs, says "The Government position is quite clearly that they want to have their cake and eat it. On the one hand they point the finger at the building industry and demand more affordable housing, and with the other it lays down rules and imposes taxes which make houses more and more expensive to build. Brown needs to stop having reviews, and start making decisions! Quite simply, does the Prime Minister want the tax revenues or does he want affordable housing?"
Berry continued, "The Government only published its green paper on housing last summer, and already we have heard proposals to increase the cost of house building by increasing planning fees by 23%, an unspecified extension to the upper ceiling on planning fees which is already as high as £50,000. In addition, the Government wants to introduce a new 'community infrastructure levy' on the granting of planning permission, and this is on top of the extra expenses which are already added during the planning application process under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act. None of this is compatible with the real need to provide low cost homes in rural areas."
Berry concluded, "Trying to get planning permission is already an expensive, lengthy and inefficient process, and the Government needs to understand that the more expensive they make it, the less affordable the resulting houses become which is bad news for all those wanting and deserving an affordable home."
31 March 2008
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Only those contractors who employ apprentices should be eligible for government and local government contracts, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in its response to the Government's consultation paper "World Class Apprenticeships: Unlocking Talent, Building New Skills for All."
Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs, at the FMB says, "The skills shortage in the construction sector coupled with growing evidence that migrant workers, particularly Polish workers, are now returning to their home countries will leave the UK in a precarious position as it tries to supply the £250 billion big construction projects in the pipeline such as the Olympics and CrossRail. We are leaving ourselves in a dangerous situation unless the Government and the construction sector unite to tackle this national problem."
Berry continued, "The UK needs 87,500 apprentices every year for the next five years just to meet current demand. What is worrying is that too few construction companies are willing to take on apprentices citing worries over the cost of training which averages at £14,000 in the first year; problems about health and safety and insurance for those aged nineteen and under; and the fear that apprentices will leave employers as soon as they become qualified. However, the key problem is not about too few interested school leavers wanting a career in construction because in 2007, 30,000 young people applied for a ConstructionSkills apprenticeship position but only 8,500 were accepted. The fundamental problem is how to convince more employers about the benefits of taking on apprentices.
Berry continued,
"If Britain is to maintain its competitiveness within the global economy it is imperative that Britain builds and develops its skills base. To do so we are calling on the Government and the construction sector to work together to:
- Provide targeted incentives to encourage more employers to train apprentices.
- Change government and local authority procurement methods to ensure that only those contractors who employ apprentices are on the approved procurement lists.
- Market construction apprenticeships to young people through the 14 to 19 year old diploma route as 'passports' to successful and rewarding careers.
- Encourage all construction companies to widen their pool of talent from all sectors of society and to return to the ethos of recruitment and training.
- Support skills competitions, both in the UK and internationally, such as the FMB's 'Master Builder of the Year' awards to provide champions for all young people to aspire to and so help improve the UK's skills base.
- Provide mentors from within the construction sector to encourage more people to go into the construction sector.
- Tackle health and safety and insurance issues for those aged 19 and under who work on construction sites."
The FMB is chairing a new 'Cross Industry Apprenticeships Task Force', including fourteen other organisations including ConstructionSkills, Unite, and BERR with the aim of doubling apprenticeship places by 2012.
31 March 2008
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The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) today welcomed the publication of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report, How Low, which looks at how we can achieve optimal carbon savings from the UK's existing housing stock. The FMB is particularly pleased to see the report calling for a cut in VAT on the refurbishment of existing properties.
Commenting on the launch of the report, Brian Berry, Director of Affairs Director at the FMB said, "I am delighted that the WWF has concluded that one of the best ways to reduce carbon emissions from UK homes is by reducing VAT on repair and maintenance work. Currently the VAT rates are heavily weighted in favour of demolition and new build as opposed to refurbishment - zero per cent VAT on new homes but 17.5 per cent on the renovation and repair of existing homes."
Berry continued, "While it is relatively easy to build zero-carbon homes, it is harder to retrofit the existing housing stock. Homes contribute 27 per cent of the UK's total carbon emissions but existing grants and long pay back periods offer little incentive for householders to make their homes more energy efficient. Reducing the level of VAT from 17.5 per cent to 5 per cent on repairs and maintenance to existing buildings would provide the kick start that is currently needed to encourage every householder to make their home green. All we need now is action from Government!"
31 March 2008
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The Department for Communities and Local Government has announced a zero tolerance stance on deliberate dereliction of properties as changes to empty property relief's come into force in April.
Commenting on the announcement, Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said:
"The FMB welcomes any moves by the Government to bring empty buildings back into use. Bringing empty buildings back into beneficial use, in both town and country, is an essential part of sustainable development and improving people's quality of life. There is, however, a much simpler way of achieving the Government's aim and that is cutting VAT from 17.5 per cent to 5 per cent on all building repair and maintenance work. The 17.5 per cent rate of VAT is an unacceptable brake on the regeneration and re-use of vacant and under-used buildings. It favours new build over re-use, and therefore greater use of finite resources like greenfield land and minerals and higher carbon emissions. It actively encourages neglect and decay."
Berry continued:
"What is needed is joined up thinking, the Government needs to work a lot harder to join up its housing, regeneration, environmental and fiscal policies. Cutting VAT would be an excellent start."
25 March 2008
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It is imperative that the Government cuts planning red tape if it is to have any chance of delivering the three million new homes that it says it wants to build, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in its response to today's announcement by Hazel Blears MP, Secretary of State for Communities, of a review of the planning consent process.
Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs, at the FMB says,
"FMB is pleased that the Government is at long last trying to cut back on the planning red which is holding back the much needed housing that this country needs and deserve. The simple fact is that the current planning system has grown into a bureaucratic labyrinth that Sir Humphrey himself would be proud of, and much good development is lost within it."
Berry continued,
"If Britain is to have any hope of sustaining its economic growth, the planning system needs to stop looking for reasons to block and delay development, and start delivering the land required for the construction of the homes and infrastructure that this country needs, and its people deserve. If the Government doesn't get to grips with planning reform, it has no chance at all of meeting the housing targets it announced only last summer."
25 March 2008
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David Cameron MP, Leader of the Conservative Party, has given his support to the Federation of Master Builder's (FMB) Building a Greener Britain campaign, which is calling for a low carbon built environment. In a statement Mr Cameron said: "We all have a shared responsibility for our neighbours, for our country and for our planet. When it comes to the urgent action required to tackle climate change, we can all make a contribution - governments, businesses and individuals."
Mr Cameron continued:
"On top of the work of government, the construction industry has a vital part to play in making sure that our carbon targets are met. And as individual homeowners we can all make sure our houses are energy efficient - which also has the benefit of saving us money. These are the principles behind the Building a Greener Britain campaign and I am delighted to welcome them."
The importance of the construction industry is all around us, in terms of where we live and work, and how we move from one place to another. It is responsible for our homes, our hospitals, our schools, our roads, our water works, our railways, our offices and everything practical in which we live and use.
The construction industry's impact on the environment is of vital importance which is why the FMB is leading the way by outlining practical policy recommendations to government and opinion formers to enable builders to play a full and constructive role in building the new greener Britain. To do this the FMB has commissioned new research which will present recommendations to the Government and also encourage householders to make their homes greener.
The research is being undertaken by the Low Carbon Futures team at the Oxford University Environmental Change Institute and is being lead by Gavin Killip, one of the authors of the 40% House report, and Dr Nick Eyre, former Director of Strategy at the Energy Saving Trust.
Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the Federation of Master Builders, embraced Mr Cameron's support saying: "We are pleased that Mr Cameron has added his support to the Building a Greener Britain campaign. Mr Cameron is right to say that we have a shared responsibility for the planet and that, as well as the Government, the individual can make a difference in helping to protect the planet. Our research will make practical recommendations designed to encourage householders to do their bit."
For more information on the FMBs Building a Greener Britain Campaign please visit: www.buildingagreenerbritain.org.uk
19 March 2008
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The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) today welcomes the announcement by Birmingham City Council's Trading Standards Department to introduce "No cold calling zones" in a bid to clear 'cowboy' builders from the city.
Councillor Neil Eustace, Chair of the Public Protection Committee, said,
"Tarmac gangs and rogue builders are operating across the city and they target the most vulnerable people in our community, particularly elderly people living alone. Incidents of older people losing thousands of pounds are not unusual. These incidents have a massive impact on people's well-being, health and fear of crime."
It is estimated that more than £1.36 billion is stolen by 'cowboy' builders from unsuspecting homeowners across Britain every year. The FMB is eager to distance professional builders from the crooks and rogues who operate as if they are part of the building industry, and to safeguard consumers. The FMB has produced a leaflet entitled, 'Beware of Door Knockers', which contains useful information on how to spot a rogue trader and how to get rid of these rogues if they do knock on your door. The leaflet also contains specific information for the elderly and the vulnerable. The FMB also has a dedicated consumer website - www.findabuilder.co.uk - where consumers can select an FMB approved builder in their area. Only those builders and specialists who can prove their skills and good business standing are accepted as members of the FMB.
John Watson, FMB Midlands Regional Director, said,
"The FMB very much welcomes Birmingham City Council Trading Standards Department's decision to introduce "No cold calling zones". The FMB have been campaigning for a long time about the dangers of 'cowboy' builders who thrive by evading VAT and offering the customer a cheap deal as a result. Sadly, all too often the work will be shoddy and this is assuming the rogue will even turn up after taking a deposit. People need to be aware that getting a job put right by a replacement builder can cost thousands of pounds extra."
Watson continued,
"The FMB, as part of the 'Cut the VAT' Coalition, has been lobbying the Government to reduce the rate of VAT on domestic building work to 5%. This will significantly reduce the commercial advantage of the VAT evading trader and eventually drive these 'cowboys' out of the market as customers focus on quality and value and not just price. Our advice to consumers is that a reputable builder will never have the time to go knocking on doors."
18 March 2008
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Boris Johnson, the Conservative Party mayoral candidate for London, hits the nail on the head when he says that fresh thinking is needed to get more homes built, and that the quality of what we build is as important as the quantity, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) commenting on his housing manifesto, 'Building a Better London'.
Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs, at the FMB today said:
"Boris Johnson is right to stress that we need a break with the past by putting quality above quantity. All too often the emphasis of this country's housing policy has been on the numbers game with the result that we have created today's sink estates and all their associated problems which affects all society. What we need is high quality housing but to do this we also need Boris Johnson to consider new incentives to promote small scale new housing developments which focus on existing neighbourhoods as opposed to creating new settlements. Such a policy would help increase social cohesion and reduce crime and poor health."
Berry continued,
"The question still remains about what to do with London's existing housing stock ? Boris Johnson needs to consider how to make London's existing housing stock greener and more energy efficient. The simplest way to do this would be to reduce VAT from 17.5 % to 5 % for all repairs and maintenance to existing homes. Lowering VAT would allow many of London's buildings which are currently of a substandard condition to be refurbished and brought back to a decent standard."
17 March 2008
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The Cut the VAT coalition has today spoken of its disappointment over the European Union's decision to reject Gordon Brown's call to lower VAT rates on the greenest household goods in order to help the EU member states be more environmentally friendly.
The Cut the VAT coalition is working to lobby the UK Government to reduce VAT from 17.5% to 5% for all maintenance and home improvement work, which would help the Government achieve its new target of cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. It would also benefit millions of UK homeowners by getting rid of cowboy builders, helping those who cannot afford vital repairs to their homes and bringing our empty properties back into use.
Richard Hyslop, Coordinator for the Cut the Vat Coalition, said:
"The Cut the Vat coalition is again disappointed by a decision not to the lower VAT on products which could make a real difference to the environment and the lives of millions, this time not just in the UK but Europe wide."
Hyslop continued:
"Items such as effective loft insulation, which would not only help reduce the carbon emissions of a house but also help those living in fuel poverty by reducing the amount of wasted energy they use in heating their home. We would also call for a reduction of VAT on services related to green goods, such as builder who would be required to install a newer greener boiler."
Hyslop concluded:
"The interest of Nicolas Sarkozy, French President, has been encouraging to the Cut the VAT coalition. We would strongly urge Mr Sarkozy to closely examine the proposal to reduce VAT on green goods, when he takes over the EU Presidency in July, which we believe provides a strong, workable solution to combating climate change."
14 March 2008
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The Cut the VAT Coalition has today expressed its disappointment by Chancellor Alistair Darling's so-called "Green budget" for not doing enough to help tackle the some of the major issues facing the UK such fuel poverty and the environment.
Commenting on the budget Richard Hsylop, Cut the VAT Coalition Coordinator, said:
"The Chancellor of the Exchequer had a unique opportunity in his first Budget yesterday to improve the lives of millions and make a lasting contribution to making Britain a greener, more energy efficient country by cutting VAT from 17.5% to 5% on all building repair and maintenance work."
Hyslop continued:
"It is disappointing that the Chancellor went so far but did not go far enough to make a lasting difference. The Chancellor did not have the vision to see what a difference this cut could have made and has settled for token gestures which will only affect the smallest proportion of people living in the UK. The pitiful schemes that the Chancellor outlined in his speech do next to nothing to help those struggling most with fuel poverty and do nothing to address the long term issue."
Hyslop added:
"Another example is the Government's agreement to explore targeted and cost-effective VAT measures for the refurbishment or renovation of homes that are of too poor quality to rent or sell. The Cut the VAT Coalition believes that the VAT measures should be available to everyone. If VAT was reduced on all building repair and maintenance work consumers would be able to keep their homes in good repair so that they do not get into such a state that they are unable to be lived in."
Henry Oliver, Policy Adviser at the Empty Homes Agency, said:
"The 17.5% VAT rate is an unacceptable brake on the regeneration and re-use of vacant and under-used buildings. It favours new build over re-use. It actively encourages neglect and decay. Bringing empty buildings back into beneficial use, in both town and country, is an essential part of sustainable development and improving people's quality of life. The Government needs to work a lot harder to join up its housing, regeneration, environmental and fiscal policies. Cutting VAT would be a excellent start."
Julia Goodwin, Editor of House Beautiful, concluded:
"If you want to renovate, redecorate or eco-fy your home, you will be charged VAT at 17.5%. That puts essential repairs and eco-friendly updates, as well as decorating projects, out of the reach of many families and encourages others to employ cash-only builders with no guarantees."
14 March 2008
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Alistair Darling MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered his first Budget today. The Chancellor described the Budget as one for 'stability' for now and in the future. Key issues affecting FMB members include:
Economy
- The British economy will this year grow from between 1.75 per cent and 2.25 per cent, down from 3 per cent last year.
- The Chancellor is writing to the Governor of the Bank of England to keep a 2 per cent target on inflation.
- Borrowing next year will rise to 43 billion GBP.
Fuel
- Increase in fuel duty of 2 pence to be delayed until October 2008.
- Fuel duty to increase by 0.5 pence per liter in real terms by 2010.
- 26 million GBP funding next year for a Green Homes Service to help people cut their carbon emissions and their fuel bills.
SMEs
- New Capital gains Tax rate will come into operation in April 2008 including the entrepreneurs' relief announced in January. This is expected to benefit over 80,000 businesses and investors in 2009.
- Small Firm Loan Guarantee Scheme will be increased by 60 million GBP for the coming year and will be extended to small and medium sized firms.
- Tax relief under the Enterprise Investment Scheme to increase from 400,000 GBP to 500,000 GBP, and the employee share limit for tax relief under the Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme will increase from 100,000 GBP to 120,000 GBP.
- Government to consult on new proposals to impose a limit on the amount of regulation that can be imposed by government departments.
- Small firms to be given better access to government contracts. A target has been set for SMEs to win 30 per cent of all public sector business in the next five years.
- A package of over 20 tax simplification measures and the outcomes of 3 tax simplification reviews, aimed at both simplifying tax calculations and reducing the red tape for small companies.
Corporation Tax
- From April 2008 the main corporation tax rate will fall from 30 per cent to 28 per cent.
Small Firms Loans
- Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme will be increased by 60 million GBP for the coming year.
Skills
- Extra funding will be made available to enable nearly 3 million adults to gain new, higher level skills by 2011.
- An extra 60 million GBP over the next 3 years to provide new opportunities for people to gain the skills needed to enter the labour market, to remain in work, and progress in work. This will include additional apprenticeships with leading employers to help tackle the skills gap and shortages.
Housing
- 8 billion GBP on new, affordable and social housing over the next 3 years. This will enable the Housing Corporation to deliver 70,000 new affordable homes each year by 2010/11.
- Review of public sector land has identified sites for 70,000 more homes.
Climate Change
- Carbon emissions to be cut by 80 per cent by 2050.
- New non-domestic buildings to become zero-carbon from 2019.
- Sustainable biofules to be encouraged - the biofuel duty differential will be replaced by the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation.
A full copy of the Budget speech can be found here.
Initial FMB Reaction to Today's Budget
The Government's new target to reduce carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, announced by the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, in today's so-called "Green Budget", will fail unless it tackles the problem of the existing building stock which contributes 47 per cent of the UK's total carbon emissions. More
The FMB's initial reaction to the Budget has already received coverage in The Times.
Further Information
If you have any questions with regard to anything raised in this analysis please do not hesitate to contact the External Affairs Team - externalaffairs@fmb.org.uk
12 March 2008
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The Government's new target to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, announced by the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, in today's so-called "Green Budget", will fail unless it tackles the problem of the existing building stock which contributes 47% of the UK's total carbon emissions, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Richard Diment, Director-General of the FMB said:
"A cut in VAT from 17.5% to 5% is the only real sustainable answer if the Government is serious about cutting carbon emissions. What we have seen today is a lack of clear political leadership to hit the problem head on. We need more than derisory incentives which won't go far enough. The £26 million announced today for the Green Homes Service is but a drop in the ocean. What is needed is a VAT cut which will benefit all households, not the selected few, to make their homes greener and energy efficient."
Diment continued:
"The Chancellor says he wants to confront climate changes but the reality is that he has failed in his first test to deliver. As a result we all be losers and the 4.5 million families who are living in fuel poverty will have little to thank the Chancellor for in today's Budget."
12 March 2008
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Minister for Employment and Learning Sir Reg Empey OBE MLA officially opened The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) new regional office in Northern Ireland. At the opening Sir Reg Empey highlighted the importance of the Federation to the local construction industry and to the wider economy, and added: "Skills development is the cornerstone to the success of all sectors. The construction industry is no exception and in designating it as one of Northern Ireland's priority skills areas, my Department has recognised this.
 "Employers have a vital role to play in this process. Workforce development leads to better business performance and enhances our economic and social well-being."
The opening was also attended by a number of other prestigious guests including William McMullan, Director of ConstructionSkills; Dr. Alex Sykes, NI Housing Executive; Kieran Collins, Trading Standards; Ron Storer, FMB National Vice-President; Eric Lyttle FMB NI President; and Richard Diment, FMB Director General.
The opening of the office coincides with the 20 year anniversary of The Federation of Master Builders in Northern Ireland. Speaking at the opening Maire Devlin, Northern Ireland Regional Manager said: "We are very pleased to be opening the new FMB offices here in Belfast. We believe that this office will help us to represent members at a local level as well as to grow the FMBs presence and membership in the province. It is also great for us to be so close to the newly elected NI government and other key organizations within the industry such as the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Health & Safety Executive, Construction Skills and the CITB. This year the FMB are celebrating 20 years in Northern Ireland and I hope this office goes some way to laying the foundations for the next 20 years here in Northern Ireland."
12 March 2008
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Heritage Link, the umbrella group which represents 87 voluntary heritage groups in England has added its support to the 'Cut the VAT' campaign. Heritage Link has been aware of the benefit cutting the VAT on building maintenance and improvement work would have on heritage buildings in England and the UK for some time and have already been lobbying the Government on this issue.
Heritage Link has endorsed the 'Cut the VAT' campaign giving this statement:
"Since its founding in 2002 Heritage Link has campaigned for 'flat VAT'. We submitted a proposal to HM Treasury to extend the 'Listed Places of Worship grant' scheme to enable charitable bodies to reclaim VAT on repair to listed buildings in their ownership. A coalition of heritage organisations has now put forward a range of fiscal measures to HM Treasury. Through our free bulletin, Heritage Link Update, we keep the heritage sector from government to local heritage groups up to date on campaigns and developments on VAT. Heritage Link firmly supports the 'Cut the VAT' campaign."
The 'Cut the VAT' Coalition believes that reducing VAT from 17.5% to 5% for all maintenance and home improvement work would benefit both society and business in many various ways including helping the Government achieve its target of cutting carbon emissions by 60% by 2050, getting rid of cowboy builders, helping those who cannot afford vital repairs to their homes, bringing our empty properties back into use, protecting the countryside, stopping the destruction of decent existing buildings and helping to preserve our national heritage.
Richard Hyslop, Cut the VAT Coalition Coordinator, said:
"There are so many people and environments that would benefit from the cut in VAT. We are therefore delighted that the Heritage Link have already been campaigning about this issue and have added their support to the 'Cut the VAT' campaign. The UK has so many beautiful, historic buildings which are falling into disrepair because the cost of improvements and repairs are too great. Cutting the VAT on building maintenance and improvement work would go a long way to ensuring that our heritage is not forgotten about or lost."
For more information on 'Cut the VAT' please visit: http://www.cutthevat.co.uk
10 March 2008
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A survey published today (Friday 7th March) by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has found that there is a lack of support for the Government's plans to build three million new homes by 2020, some of which will be in greenfield developments. The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) opposes the findings of the survey maintaining that the CPRE is wrong to protest against the Government's housing plans. The simple fact is that Britain needs more affordable homes right across the country, both urban and rural areas.
Responding to the survey Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs, at the FMB, said:
"The housing debate is in danger of becoming a polarised debate with the Government wanting to build large new settlements which fly in the face of its own sustainability policies, and organisations such as the CPRE denying people on low incomes the right to a decent home. The truth is we need more homes to tackle the 1.5 million on the council house waiting list and the 90,000 families living in temporary accommodation. These homes are needed not just in urban areas but in every village, town and city."
Berry continued;
"The countryside needs thriving sustainable communities that can accommodate everyone. By stopping new housing in the countryside all that you are doing is making it the playground for the rich. The closure of village schools and post offices is a consequence of families having to leave the countryside because they cannot find affordable homes."
Berry concluded:
"Concerns about new housing would be better addressed by ensuring that all new housing is built to a high standard, with sufficient open space and sensitive to the local environment. If these criteria could be ensured fears about concreting over the countryside would be allayed and local people might at last have the chance at last to live in the places they want to."
7 March 2008
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The Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, leader of the Liberal Democrat party has added his endorsement to the Federation of Master Builders' (FMB) Building a Greener Britain campaign. In a statement Mr Clegg said: "I fully support the work of the Federation of Master Builders' Building a Greener Britain campaign. It is vital that our homes are more energy efficient in order to help lower national carbon emissions and reduce the UK's negative impact on the environment. Not only will building more efficient homes help save the plant however, they will also help save the money in people's pockets.
Mr Clegg continued: "While the poor state of our housing is adding 41 million tonnes of carbon a year through electricity use and heating to the greenhouse gases causing global warming, as well as killing around 30,000 a year from cold, the contribution of the Building a Greener Britain campaign is very important."
With buildings contributing 47% of the UK's total carbon emissions, the FMB has a key role to play in helping the Government achieve its target to cut carbon emissions by 60% by 2050. The Build a greener Britain campaign aims to ensure that government objectives for sustainability are practical.
The FMB has commissioned new research which will present a series of practical policy recommendations aimed at government which will help encourage householders to make their homes greener. The research will be undertaken by the Low Carbon Futures team at the Oxford University Environmental Change Institute and will be lead by Gavin Killip, one of the authors of the 40% House report, and Dr Nick Eyre, former Director of Strategy at the Energy Saving Trust.
Brian Berry, Direct of External Affairs at the Federation of Master Builders, welcomed Mr Clegg's support saying: "We are pleased that Mr Clegg has added his support to the Building a Greener Britain campaign. We look forward to working with Mr Clegg and other politicians on practical recommendations aimed at government, which will help encourage householders to make their homes greener. Mr Clegg has also touched on a very important issue that not only will a greener Britain benefit the planet but it will also directly benefit peoples' pocket by reducing the amount of money which is wasted by ineffective heating of homes."
For more information on the FMBs Building a Greener Britain Campaign please visit: http://www.buildingagreenerbritain.org.uk
6 March 2008
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