Commitment to growth and business could help building firms through the tough economic times ahead, but the detail and focus are lacking, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), in response to the Prime Minister’s speech at the Conservative Party Conference.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said:

“The Prime Minister’s commitment to growth and business is positive. However, the details about how this will happen are in short supply. What is needed is a clearer focus about the range of policies intended to help stimulate economic growth.  A comprehensive retrofit plan to make our existing housing greener and more energy efficient would not only reduce householders’ energy bills but create thousands of new jobs in every village, town, and city.”

Berry continued:

“I would have also liked to hear more detail about making it easier to build new homes, not just in Investment Zones. Small house builders can deliver high quality homes, using local labour. The planning system needs reforming and with the Prime Minister’s focus on a de-regulation agenda, the Government should use this momentum to make it easier to get spades in the ground and get SME builders delivering more homes.”