The construction sector is standing by and hoping the new Housing Minister Stuart Andrew MP – appointed after Prime Minister’s reshuffle on 8 February – will embrace small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a vital tool for building more homes and reaching housing goals.
Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders, said: “He has a tough job on his hands, as we desperately need an engaged housing minister who understands the planning systems impact on levelling up, SME builders and the broader housing crisis.”
Also commenting on the appointment, Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “The appointment of Stuart Andrew as the new Housing Minister comes at a crucial time for the industry. He has a mandate to deliver 300,000 homes but inherits a declining sector of SME builders to support this.
“I look forward to working constructively with the new Minister to deliver a much-needed boost for small, local housebuilders. This will not only help plug the gap in housing stock but will also play a vital role in levelling up the country, as who better to enable this than small, community-centric builders.”
Meanwhile, the Royal Institute of British Architects said it was important that the housing minister understood the housing crisis.
Simon Allford, the Institute’s president, commented: “With the government highlighting the importance of improved housing in its levelling-up agenda, it must now work to secure consistent and effective leadership in this area.”
