The FMB has set out four key steps that will support the industry to build back better and greener, in an open letter to the chancellor.

•   Some of the liquidity in the development market has 'definitely disappeared'
•   New 'build, build, build' deal from government must not forget repair, says FMB
•   Construction apprenticeships needed to boost economy, says FMB

The steps outlined in the letter are:

• A time-limited, targeted cut in VAT on repair and renovation works to 5%
• a national energy efficient retrofit strategy that will boost growth and create jobs
• supporting SME employers to unlock additional apprenticeship opportunities
• investment in planning departments to improve communication and deliver more homes.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “The chancellor must deliver on last week’s commitments to build back better and greener with a recovery package that places local builders at the heart. 

“The [federation] welcomed the government’s unprecedented support measures for firms during the lockdown, and hopes for similar scale and creativity to protect local construction jobs and training opportunities.

“As the prime minister recognised last week, building new homes is a great economic stimulus, and supporting local SME housebuilders will speed up delivery and drive up quality. 

“Finally, opportunities need to be created for apprentices, and given that local builders train the majority in construction, the government needs to target information and financial support to them.”