A core policy of the Labour Party Manifesto in the 2024 general election was the delivery of 1.5 million houses over the current parliament.

The FMB has pointed to recent data from the S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) which showed construction activity growth contracted in December.

Commenting on the figures, FMB CEO Brian Berry highlighted the “alarming” fact this was the fastest reduction in activity since June 2024.

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Brian applauded the government’s efforts so far on encouraging housing delivery in the UK but warned that more needed to be done.

“The FMB have continued to make the case that these goals will simply not be deliverable without a focus on tackling the construction skills crisis; diversifying the housing market from a small number of volume housebuilders; and ensuring changes to planning policy actually deliver for small builders,” said Brian.

“Despite early announcements, the data shows this must remain the long-term focus for 2025,” he continued.