BMF reaction to PM’s New Deal

The Coventry-based Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has welcomed the commitment to creating jobs, skills and infrastructure as the Government looks to build the UK back to economic health in the aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis.

But the trade body says that a full programme of national renewal must also promote better housing, both in terms of building new homes and upgrading existing ones.

John Newcomb is chief executive of the BMF, which represents the multi-billion pound building industry supply chain. He said: “It is great to see the Prime Minister responding to the Covid-19 crisis by promising to build back greener and better.

“We also welcome the fact that he understands the very real need to get the millions of people working in construction and building trades, including apprentices, back to work.

“Reforming the planning system is long overdue and changes that speed up the system and enable redundant buildings to become new homes are certainly welcome.

“Our ask of the PM is to help SME builders and allied trades to return to the market and do what they do best. Build small numbers of homes in many locations, which are in keeping with their surroundings and that people want to buy.

“In tandem with that, we also need to undertake the repair, maintenance and improvement work that many UK homes still desperately need, to ensure they provide warm and secure accommodation.”