NFB responds to Lord Best's housing article
National Federation of Builders
The National Federation of Builders have responded to Lord Best's comments about the 'too big to fail' major housebuilders.
It is extremely positive to see Lord Best identify smaller, local housebuilders as part of the solution to the housing crisis. We are glad to see that our message is beginning to seep through to decision-makers. When new housebuilding was at its peak, SMEs build the majority of homes. This was done in partnership with individual clients, councils, housing associations, coops and others. Therefore, strengthening the capacity of SMEs is of paramount importance to solving the housing crisis.
Richard Beresford of the National Federation of Builder said, “The real barrier for SME growth is the broken planning system and no increase in funding will make the planning process less complicated or burdensome. Similarly, a consumer ombudsman may deal with poor practice but it must not move the goalposts for those carrying out best practice. The leasehold scandal, for example, is not one which is impacting our membership.
He added, The NFB hopes that rather than focussing so heavily on bad practice, the debate and report identifies and promotes best practice as well. We very much look forward to the report but hope that a realistic tone is set. The housing crisis will not be solved if the default position is reactive when it really needs to be proactive.”
You can read Lord Best's article here
