Speaking at the Labour Party Conference, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP expressed concerns that UK is overly reliant on a small number of volume builders and that we must diversify the market, backing a long-term call from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, commented: “Forty years ago around 40 percent of new homes in Britain were built by SMEs. Today that figure stands at around 10 percent. The target of 1.5 million new homes will require houses to be built at a rate not seen since the 1960’s. I am delighted to see the new Minister acknowledge the crucial role SME builders will have in delivering on these goals and welcome the opportunity to work with the Minister on this issue.”
Berry continued: “Small builders experience substantial barriers to the housing market. The Government have announced significant planning reforms, which is a positive first step, however we need to see more small sites unlocked by ensuring that provisions in the NPPF are being followed at local level. There must also be more dedicated resources given to local authority planning departments, specifically to support small builders navigate the planning system."
