Local builders have a key role in helping the country level up, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the announcement of the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said:

“The FMB welcomes the announcement of the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper, containing a number of recommendations that have the potential to boost small, local builders. Local builders work all across the UK, building much needed new houses, improving existing homes, and offering high quality career opportunities for young people. Builders are at the heart of every single community and are key to making sure people can work locally, train locally and stay local, which uplifts every part of the nation in equal measure. For levelling up to be a success, effective and joined up working across government departments will be vital.”

Berry continued:

“For local housebuilders, loans through the Home Building Fund should be targeted at reversing the decline in SME housebuilders, who are now delivering only 12% of our housing stock, down from 40% in the 1980s. Local housebuilders develop on underutilised land that will be vital for hitting housing targets. However, these plans must make sure we’re helping to deliver new homes where demand is highest.”

Berry continued:

“It’s positive that the Government is taking steps to improve the quality and energy efficiency of our existing housing stock in the private-rented sector. Local builders will be critical to the success of this policy and should be considered at each point of its implementation. Similarly, the strategy’s ambition to create locally developed and led skills plans is much needed. Small building companies train 71% of all construction apprentices, and have a central role to play in training the next generation of tradespeople and offering highly skilled, highly profitable careers.”