FMB slams Government on construction policies

Federation of Master Builders slams decision by Government to downgrade the ministerial rank of the construction minister from Minister of State, to Parliamentary Under Secretary of State.

Brian Berry, FMB Director of External Affairs said, "While we welcome Baroness Vadera to her post as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for construction, we note with concern that she is the seventh person with responsibility for construction since 1 May 1997".

Berry continued, "The Government says that it wants new homes, better infrastructure, new schools and new hospitals, as well as delivery of prestige projects such as the Olympics, and then they downgrade the ministerial rank of the construction minister from Minister of State, to Parliamentary Under Secretary of State".

"This is indicative of the Government's inability to comprehend the centrality of the industry to the successful delivery of its public service programme".

"As a result, responsibility for the construction industry is spread across Whitehall with little or no effective co-ordination".

"The inevitable result is ineffective policies backed by often counterproductive policy drivers that more often hinder than help the industry in its attempts to deliver government priorities".

"It is time construction took its rightful place at the core of government policy".

Berry concluded, "The FMB wants a dedicated Construction Minister to act as a champion for the construction industry both within and outside government".

"The Minister should focus on developing strategies, attracting resources, and help to improve the image of the construction industry.

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