Clear plans for investment in Scotland’s builders are needed if the government is going to deliver a low-carbon transition strategy for the nation’s homes, according to FMB Scotland in response to the Scottish Budget set out today (February 7).
Gordon Nelson, director of FMB Scotland, said: “The government missed an opportunity to set out how they will invest in Scotland’s builders, who will be vital partners in delivering their climate change ambitions over the next Parliament and beyond. £150 million invested into energy efficiency measures for households is welcome, but more clarity is needed around how the government will unleash the capacity of small builders to do this work. Indeed, builders experienced a contraction in work at the end of 2019 and face continuing skills shortages.”
Gorden concluded: “Freezing income tax is an indirect boost to Scotland’s builders in that households will have more cash to splash on upgrading their homes. What’s needed now is greater targeted investment and incentives for builders, so they have the skills and support needed to repair, upgrade and retrofit our nation’s homes. This is an urgent matter, given that 75% of dwellings have some degree of disrepair.”
