Recommitment to stamp duty cuts and planning reforms will help Britain’s small construction firms get building, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), in response to Kwasi Kwarteng’s speech to the Conservative Party Conference.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “It will be a relief to small, local builders, that the Chancellor has today recommitted to extend the stamp duty threshold and liberalise planning to get Britain building. However, small builders across the country need access to land and a simpler planning system – not just those in investment zones. At the FMB we also support a review of current policies which are preventing businesses from taking on apprentices."
Berry continued: "Notably missing from the Chancellor’s speech, however, was any mention of reducing our energy demand. If the Chancellor really wants to get Britain moving and spread economic growth across the country, he should be backing a long-term national retrofit programme, boosted by a temporary cut in VAT."
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.
