Liberal Democrat’s housing plans receives BMF approval

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has welcomed proposals made in the Liberal Democrat manifesto to meet the UK’s housing needs and the training needed to achieve this.
The Lib Dems announced an ambitious target to build 300,000 new homes each year as well as expanding and increasing quality vocational training in order to achieve their target.

BMF managing director John Newcomb said: “Together with local level policies such as ‘affordable land’ plots for self-builders, prioritising development on brownfield and town centre sites and ensuring that local authorities have clear 15 year plans to lead development in their local areas, we are encouraged by the potential for meeting the UK’s housing needs and the 300,000 target.

“Alongside this and essential to its successful delivery, is ensuring that quality vocational training for trade professions is delivered. The BMF, which has already recognised this need, currently delivers builder merchant-focused formal qualifications such as NVQ Apprenticeships and Foundation Degrees; ensuring our Members have the most highly qualified and knowledgeable workforce, able to provide quality guidance on legislation, Government policy and financial aid to building sector customers when considering building materials.

“Finally we welcome plans to offer Council Tax reductions to resident’s whose homes have an energy saving improvement, which provides a welcome incentive for homeowners to meet energy efficiency requirements and our members will be well placed to assist consumers in making such improvements.”

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) welcomed the Party’s target on housing and said the Lib Dems understands the housing crisis is “one of the greatest challenges our country faces”.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “We particularly welcome their equal focus on improving our existing homes, which is essential if we are to maximise the existing stock and at the same time, meet our ambitious carbon reduction targets. The next Government must get its approach to new and existing homes absolutely right if we have any hope of solving the housing crisis.”