The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has called on the new Construction Minister to make licensing ‘his mission’.
The new Construction Minister, Andrew Stephenson MP, should make it his mission to raise quality and standards in the construction industry through mandatory licensing, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Welcoming Andrew Stephenson into his new role Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said that he looked forward to working with the new Minister, “to raise standards, quality and professionalism in the construction industry”.
Berry continued: “The time is right to look at a meaningful way in which we can purge the sector of rogue firms and unprofessional outfits once and for all. With the publication of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, and the quality of some new build homes being called into question, we need to act now to improve standards and increase productivity. A mandatory licensing scheme for the whole UK construction sector has widespread support among the industry and homeowners, alike. The Government must legislate to stop the scourge of unprofessional behaviour blighting the entire industry.”
Berry noted that he was also looking forward to working with the Minister on implementing the Sector Deal, “in a way that will help to unleash the potential of small to medium-sized construction firms.” Berry concluded: “After all, they are the bedrock of the industry, training two-thirds of all construction apprentices and forming the supply chain of larger contractors. We must tirelessly work to remove barriers to SME construction companies if we are to deliver on the Government’s infrastructure targets.”
