2019 election – Big construction pledges require big industry changes

With all the main political parties making significant commitments to increase housebuilding, LABC has called on them to recognise changes to the industry are needed if any of the pledges are to be implemented.

So far, the Conservatives have pledged to build 1 million homes in the next five years, with Labour pledging 100,000 council and 50,000 affordable homes per year. The Lib Dems have set a target of 300,000 per annum (with 100,000 for social rent) and the Green Party wants to see 100,000 zero carbon homes built every year over the next decade.

Commenting LABC Chief Executive, Lorna Stimpson, said, "It is great to see politicians of all parties putting the need to build more and better homes to more sustainable standards at the forefront of their manifestos.

"But at the same time, I'd like to see them recognise that the construction industry needs big changes to allow it to deliver these ambitious pledges.

"LABC is calling for industry and government to work together to transform how we do things. We need all construction workers to have proven and verifiable competency, we need continuous investment in knowledge and skills, and a culture of ‘doing the right thing' rather than simply chasing profit.

"Politicians are challenging the industry to deliver, but it cannot be at the expense of standards, quality or safety. We must use this proposed expansion of quantity in the sector to improve safety, increase skills and provide more opportunities for people to learn and improve their competencies.

"And whoever forms the next government they must move quickly to implement the changes demanded by Dame Judith Hackitt and Sir Martin Moore-Bick. These changes cannot wait."