BSRIA respond to General Election 2017
On 9 June 2017, the day after the General Election, with the result of 'hung parliament', BSRIA urged the major political parties to recognise the construction industry 'big ticket' items, including key issues around housing, energy and the environment and skills and to work together on these crucial issues.
Julia Evans, Chief Executive, BSRIA, said:
“The drive towards collaboration demanded by the outcome of the election must mean a more inclusive approach to the big construction related issues of the day. This must be seen as an opportunity to test policy assumptions and reinvigorate the drive towards positive outcomes for the environment and for the carbon economy.
"All the main political parties in their respective manifestos, have committed to raising house building aims and intentions by advocating an increase in delivering a high-level of new homes over the next few years.
"BSRIA’s long running commentary is that homes are desperately needed throughout the country – especially starter and affordable homes for those trying to get on the housing ladder. And, of course, the domino effect of more houses is more work for the construction industry – which is welcomed.
"But building homes is a matter of quality as well as quantity. The focus on more volume makes quality more important than ever and an added emphasis on the status of the quality of homes is vital to guarantee that in challenging the housing crisis we are not building the costly slums or soulless estates of tomorrow.”
Regarding energy and the environment – the political parties pledged that they will establish energy efficiency schemes to help business and households cut their energy use and bills. And smart meters have featured.
Evans said:
“Any steps that ensure both businesses and households’ energy bills remain low is encouraging – coupled with the use of emerging smart meters and relevant technologies as and where applicable.”
On immigration – the political parties have outlined issues around migration and immigration and tariffs on firms hiring non-EU migrants and international students being excluded from immigration numbers.
According to Evans:
“The construction industry needs access to a skilled global workforce – especially from the EU. Specifically regarding labour: how will industry access much-needed tradesmen? With the current housing shortage crisis – we need a workforce with the right skills to build these, therefore a fluid skilled labour market is key. In addition to this – international students should have the freedom to study and work in the UK.
“There has been much chaos and mixed-messages surrounding Brexit since June last year so government must ensure that much-needed clarity and order is delivered in the ongoing Brexit debate – which provides investor confidence.
"Indeed, as we move forward, we must not lose sight of the fact that it is crucial that the construction industry’s voice is heard in the Brexit deliberations. What is evident is that the ‘construction industry is open for business’.
"The country voted last June to leave the EU. Moving forward: industry needs clarity and stability not further votes and political filibustering.”
--BSRIA
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.