FMB - Programme for Government
On 2 May 2017, with the snap general election fast approaching, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) published a short document entitled 'Programme for Government', providing a five-point plan detailing what commitments they would like to see from the major political parties.
1. Ensure that the construction industry has enough skilled workers:
- Introduce a flexible system of immigration that allows key strategic industries like construction to draw upon adequate levels of skilled labour from the EU and beyond.
- Commit to increasing the quality, duration and thoroughness of apprenticeships and thus improve the image of vocational training so that we can attract more young people into our industry.
2. Increase the supply of new homes:
- The UK government should commit to building at least 200,000 new homes per year in England and encourage the delivery of 25,000 new homes in Scotland; 14,000 in Wales; and 11,000 in Northern Ireland.
- In England, continue to work with the house building industry to successfully implement key recommendations within the 2017 Housing White Paper that are designed to increase house building through SME builders.
3. Improve the quality of new and existing homes:
- Introduce a mandatory warranty requirement for all domestic building works that require Building Regulations approval and structural engineering calculations.
- Commission a review of new homes warranties to establish whether the warranties currently provided are adequate.
4. Make homes more energy efficient:
- Reduce VAT on housing renovation and repair work from 20% to 5% to encourage refurbishment work, including energy efficiency measures.
- Ensure that any government investment in reducing energy bills is targeted primarily at improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s homes.
5. Boost growth among construction SMEs:
- Ensure that the overall regulatory burden on small businesses is reduced as part of the Brexit process.
- Improve public procurement for construction SMEs and ensure local firms win a higher proportion of local authority contracts post-Brexit.
For more information, and to download the document, please see here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
COP28 and the Path Ahead for Industry
The last few days, but action needed over the next decade.
Finalists for 2024 CIOB Awards revealed
80 construction leaders and companies from across the UK.
Promoting the importance of building and fire safety.
Health and Safety Training for Construction Employers
A brief run through essential training tips from a user.
3D Laser Scanning in Building Construction
A comprehensive guide from a Cohesive BIM wiki user.
BIM for structural reinforcement modelling
From the basics to the future from our Cohesive BIM wiki.
ECA skills recharge at the House of Commons
As electrical sector feels skills shortage bite.
The impact of pandemic and new legislation on courses
CIOB Academy’s course take-up inked to external factors.
An artist, philanthropist and ex-Army helicopter pilot
Q and A with self-representing artist, Hannah Shergold.
Building Safety Regulator appoints permanent director
And publishes three-year strategic plan.
Update on the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)
Introducing changes to make it more effective from 2024.
2023 CIOB photography competition
Shortlist announced for 2023 public choice award vote.
The last of the Victorians. Book review.
Grimsby's Kasbah: where’s that?
An exotic name that is shrouded in mystery.
This weeks guest editor, Ankita Dwivedi of Firstplanit.
From practice to research and the business of materials.