The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has welcomed the findings of the latest report from the House of Lords Built Environment Committee urging much needed support for SME housing developers to help boost housing numbers and reverse decades of decline.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of FMB, said: “The findings of this report show the invaluable contribution that SME house builders can have in boosting housing numbers and delivering quality homes. It recognises key solutions, with sensible recommendations to tackle the lack of available land and the complex planning system. To reverse decades of declining numbers of small, local house builders, the Government must listen. Greater adoption of the proposed ‘master developer’ schemes on large sites to unlock access to stable development opportunities is welcome, but more needs to be done to increase land availability, such as identifying small, underutilised sites in local plans. Fast-tracking applications from small builders would make a real difference, as would addressing skills shortages.”
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.
