FMB responds to the SNP Manifesto

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In the build up to the December General Election the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) published their manifesto which detailed the various strategies by the which the party aim to reduce the expulsion of greenhouses gases as a consequence of construction in Scotland, prompting a swift response from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Specifically, the SNP Manifesto outlined how the party will bring to market a £3Bn portfolio of projects including renewables, waste, and construction, all of which will be ready for green finance investment while also working to unlock additional resources through a Green Growth Accelerator that will combine public and private investment to transform cities and regions.

Furthermore, the SNP has devised a National Infrastructure Mission which will see an additional £7Bn being invested in Scotland over the course of the period up to 2026 with said funding being overseen by a Scottish National Investment Bank.

In response to these promises the FMB expressed their approval of spending significant amount of money upon infrastructure projects, while also making efforts to reduce carbon emissions, but emphasised upon the need for quality standards and controls to prevent cowboy builders and substandard contractors from taking advantage of this wave of investment.

The Chief Executive of the FMB, Brian Berry stated: “Reducing waste and carbon emissions associated with our construction industry and our existing housing stock is a matter of urgency if we are to meet the demands of the climate crisis. The Scottish National Party’s pledges to encourage green finance investment in construction and to cut the VAT on energy efficiency improvements in the household are positive steps.”

“We need to go further in ensuring that this programme of work is completed to a high standard. The construction industry has an image problem and one that will hamper growth if not addressed. A mandatory licensing scheme is needed for all UK construction companies in order to raise standards and professionalise the industry, encouraging more young people to choose a career in construction.”

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