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
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.