The Federation of Master Builders (FMB)’s chief executive has raised concerns about the ONS figures released today, which show a fall in private new housing work. The ONS has stated that private new housing work has dropped from 0.4% in August to -0.33% in September.
Brian Berry, the FMB’s chief executive, said: “It’s worrying to see a contraction in new work for private housing. We know there are long-term issues facing small-to-medium enterprise house builders, with output dropping over the years. Many exited the sector in the last recession. With another one looming as the economy contracts by 0.2%, we need to avoid a repeat.
“The government needs to act to get small house builders unstuck from the complex planning system and back to delivering high-quality, diverse homes, using skilled local workers. The autumn statement provides an opportunity for the government to ensure that local planning authorities have the resources needed to speed up the planning system and help deliver the homes this country needs.”
