During our visit, we partnered with Energy UK, the Local Government Association and the National Housing Federation to highlight the important role that the energy industry, alongside the social housing and local government sectors are playing in rolling out support for British people this winter.
Purpose of the drop-in event
The purpose of the event was to call on the Government to continue to prioritise energy efficiency as a core solution to both the cost of living and energy crisis. Further investment and support from the Government will greatly benefit construction businesses and our SME builders through boosting jobs and levelling up our country.
We agreed that this goal can be achieved through the following ways:
- Working in partnership with industry, local government and wider stakeholders by developing a deliverable long-term plan for energy efficiency, including bringing forward the £6bn that was committed for energy efficiency in the Autumn Statement to this Parliament;
- Introduce new regulations and financial incentives to unlock additional demand;
- Speed up the review of its methodology that sits behind the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) framework;
- Create the conditions to enable local areas to develop the long-term skilled and qualified workforce that is needed to deliver retrofit and energy saving measures; and
- Continue working in partnership with industry-led efforts, the social housing sector and local governments to support a long-term cross-Departmental approach to policy making in this space.
What we did
The event provided us with an opportunity to speak directly to MPs about practical ways they can support their constituents in reducing their energy bills. One of the materials we shared was our guide on 10 ways to cut your energy bills this winter.
We also shared our IPPR research report which explores how insulating our homes through a National Retrofit Strategy is the most effective way to solve the rise in energy costs, while levelling up the country.
Outcomes
Together, as a coalition of four leading associations, representing energy, construction, social housing, and local government sectors, we wrote a letter to Jeremy Hunt MP, the Chancellor of Exchequer calling on him to recognise the need for further investment in households in order to reduce energy consumption. While we welcome the steps that the Government has taken so far to support British households in reducing their energy consumption so far, we provided the Chancellor with practical ways to tackle the challenges at hand.
The event gave us an opportunity to strengthen relationships with Government and our relationship with MPs directly, which is vital in order to influence change within the construction industry. In total, 17 MPs attended the event on the day, amongst many of their staffers and as a result we have held follow up meetings and will continue to build on the relationships we established.
Bill Esterson MP supports green skills
John Spellar MP discusses a National Retrofit Strategy with Brian Berry.
Clive Betts MP stands in support of more green skills in the industry
Jo Gideon MP supports greener energy in homes
Jack Brereton MP stands in support of a UK-wide National Retrofit Strategy
Emma Hardy MP attends event in support of green skills in construction.
Rachel Hopkins MP attends event in support of a National Retrofit Strategy.
Alison Thewliss MP supports the event
Sir Peter Bottomley MP supports the event
Carla Lockhart MP stands in support of greener skills
Tan Dhesi MP supports a National Retrofit Strategy
Notes to editors
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level.
The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members, providing a range of modern and relevant business building services to help them succeed. The FMB is committed to raising quality in the construction industry and offers a free Find a Builder service to consumers.
