Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has criticised Labour’s plans to scale back its low-carbon policies, which was announced by Keir Starmer.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the federation, explained that Labour’s new plans were “simply not enough”; the Labour party has reduced its plan to retrofit from 19 million homes to 5 million.
He said: “It is disappointing that the Labour Party has decided to roll back its ambition to retrofit 19 million homes to just 5 million. Sadly, this is just one of many damaging and disjointed policy efforts over the last decade to deliver green upgrades, which every time ends up hitting the confidence of industry and consumers.
“What is needed is clear leadership with a decisive long-term plan to improve the UK’s housing stock. Retrofitting the UK’s 28 million homes, the oldest in Europe, would help stimulate economic growth in every community but time after time the opportunity to do so is lost.”
He concluded that leaving many old homes unfit for the future or capable of efficiently running new heating technology, like heat pumps, is disappointing.
Berry added: “Political parties need to think carefully about the opportunities retrofitting can provide, it is ultimately a driver for economic growth. Stop-start efforts have plagued green policy initiatives for years and will continue set the UK back, leaving homes unhealthy, cold and draughty into the future.”
The Federation of Master Builders represents thousands of construction firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level.
