Scottish Government listening to construction industry concerns
Members of the Scottish Building Federation gathered in Glasgow on Friday 1 November to hear Minister for Business, Richard Lochhead, address the construction industry’s concerns about the challenges they are facing.
The event came in the wake of a public statement by SBF President, Euan Clark, in which he cautioned that the industry “is facing a daunting combination of challenges”, including planning delays and reduced tender opportunities.
This was followed by the UK Government’s Budget Statement which raised a number of taxes and comes at a time when the Scottish Government is consulting on a new tax for housebuilders, the Scottish Building Safety Levy.
Mr Clark said: “It was great to have Mr Lochhead attend our event, showing again that he is willing to listen and engage with the industry. This can only be positive as we move forward and try to tackle the issues raised together.
“We know that construction is key to tackling Scotland’s national housing emergency and supporting the transition to net zero, securing economic growth and providing skilled jobs and apprenticeships in every community in the country.
“It is not all doom and gloom and there is still work available in the market.
“The £3.4billion of additional sums coming to Scotland following the Budget present an opportunity to further invest in housing, public facilities and infrastructure. It is an opportunity that we really need to grasp.”
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “By working together with the construction industry, we can transform and grow the Scottish economy.
“As Chair of the Construction Leadership Forum, I am committed to working with industry, local authorities, trade bodies, unions, and the wider public sector to address the challenges to growth.”
The Scottish Building Federation President’s Lunch was sponsored by the People’s Partnership and supported the Good Things Foundation, the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity. SBF Commercial Manager, Ian Honeyman, was also recognised during the event for his considerable contribution to the Federation throughout his career.
