Product category:
Building Trade Associations and Institutes
News Release from: Federation of Master Builders (FMB) | Subject: Queen's Speech on housing
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 07 November 2007
FMB calls for housing quality not just
numbers
With housing now top of the political agenda, Federation of Master Builders believe it important that what we build is built to last.
It is clear from the Queen's Speech that housing is now top of the political agenda, this is something the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) welcomes Whether we build 2 or 3 million homes is ultimately less important than ensuring that what we build is built to last
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 27 Jun 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
3 Main Challenges For New Construction Minister
The FMB welcomed the appointment of Nigel Griffiths as Construction Minister and highlighted three policy areas where rapid progress will be key.
FMB Survey Highlights Four Years Continued Growth
FMB Survey Highlights Four Years Of Continued Growth For Construction SMEs But Skills Shortage Continues To Hamper Further Growth
A housing policy that doesn't play the numbers game for short term advantage is arguably less eye catching for politicians but is one that will serve the interests of this country far better for future generations, warns the FMB.
Brian Berry, FMB Director of External Affairs, says "With over 90,000 homeless households stuck in temporary accommodation and 1.6 million on a council house waiting list waiting for a permanent home it is right that we provide more homes".
"But how we do it is the real key issue and alarm bells should be sounding loud and clear for all of us who value both our natural and built heritage".
"A top down housing policy approach involving the creation of new settlements, as the Government is advocating, is simply not the answer".
Berry continued, "England is the most crowded country in Europe with the worst road congestion, and the longest commuting distances of all our European neighbours".
"Although we have built on only 11% of our land this development has sprawled very badly with most of our remaining green land either in use, protected or needed for environmental, food, recreation and forestry purposes".
"The sustainable answer is all around us because our existing settlements have the potential to provide the homes that we need".
"Coupled with this is the urgent need not to repeat the mistakes of past social housing policy and to ensure that our housing stock is properly maintained to ensure that it retains its desirability, value and future use.".
• Federation of Master Builders (FMB): contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Buildingtalk email newsletter
• Buildingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
