As Prime Minister Starmer announces his resignation, the NFB considers what his successor should prioritise.
Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “Starmer was the first Prime Minister in some time that promised planning reform and acted on it. The early days saw reforms without consultation, a commitment in the face of critics and an unwavering dedication to ensuring Britain builds things again.
His ambition must be recognised and credited; however, the pace of implementation, or rather the plodding nature of it, after a strong early showing is also part of his legacy.
His successor must get back into the fast lane, ensuring further procurement reforms support local businesses. SME housebuilders get their medium sized site before broader planning reforms come in. And late payment is ended before the year end.
They must also understand that construction is the key to growth, but the industry is not in a healthy place because of government policy. If the next PM does not understand that and seek to solve its challenges, any ambition to deliver housing, roads, rail, hospitals, commercial space for modern jobs, amenities, clean power or anything built, will see the zero-sum game of capacity and land use continue to hamper British growth and prosperity.”
