“Fresh impetus” needed on housing targets, says BMF

The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) has called for “fresh impetus” from Government to ensure it can deliver its target of 1.5 million new homes.

In a letter to the Construction Minister, Sarah Jones MP, the BMF set out the ways in which its members are preparing to support housebuilding across the UK and called on the Government to announce its strategic plans for housing without delay.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“Fresh impetus is required to deliver desperately needed homes that are built faster, to higher standards, in the right locations and that people can afford to buy or rent.

“BMF members are working to deliver the building materials needed to create a new generation of homes in the UK and we now need a clear plan from government to give the sector the confidence needed to continue to invest.”

The BMF told the Construction Minister that around £862 million has been committed by BMF members to modernise and increase capacity and capability in the medium to long-term, while 82 member companies have pledged 14,765 new apprenticeships in the sector as part of BMF’s pioneering Apprenticeship Pledge.

The BMF is also investing significantly in a national campaign ‘Building Materials Careers’ to attract the diversity of skills needed to deliver gains in vital areas including sustainability, innovation and delivery products that can enhance productivity out on building sites. The initiative, which launches to the public in February, highlights the range of career options in the sector, along with opportunities to study for vocational and academic qualifications.

John Newcomb, CEO of the BMF, said: “The BMF is taking actin on employment, learning and development initiatives to bolster our long-established supply chain to the construction, housebuilding and property repair, maintenance and improvement markets.

“If government proposals lead to a real increase in housing delivery, the BMF and its members stand ready to play their part in providing the materials and products needed for this task.

“But securing adequate stock and staffing levels means laying the groundwork now.

“We urge to the government not to delay the publication of their Housing Strategy setting out how their plans to generate new homes will take shape and giving our sector the confidence to invest in their success.”