NFB respond to Scott Mann MP
National Federation of Builders
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) agrees with Scott Mann’s argument that local authorities need to understand better the role of small sites, self-build and affordable housing in their own communities, as well as recognising his assessment of the big six house builders currently dominating supply.
However, it is imperative that politicians also recognise how businesses are impacted by regulatory practice and which companies are most affected. The Letwin Review has not yet drawn on the experiences of SME house builders, whom are disproportionately impacted by planning delays.
Mann correctly identifies that some local authorities are starting to allocate more small sites, but the NFB has had to lobby the Government for three years in order to set a regulatory target that councils should be meeting. The NFB has also fought for more serviced plots, a more appropriate self-build model, removing the local housing revenue cap and streamlined planning.
Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “We need MPs and local planning authorities to recognise best practice and support it appropriately. A greater understanding of the barriers standing in the way of SMEs would go a long way to providing an informed discussion and practical solutions to solve the housing crisis.”
