CLC advises next government to deliver certainty, unlock small site housebuilding and reform planning

The Construction Leadership Council has today published a letter of advice for the next Government, detailing a series of policies that would help the construction industry create economic growth, build much-needed new housing and deliver the UK’s infrastructure pipeline.

The letter, signed by 16 members of the Construction Leadership Council, has been sent to the leadership of both the Conservative and Labour parties, and is intended to offer non-partisan guidance on closing the industry’s productivity gap and maximising its contribution to the UK economy.

Specific measures include a presumption in favour of development on small sites, to support smaller housebuilders and improve housing supply, committing to publish an updated five-year National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline shortly after any budget or fiscal event, and setting out a 10-year policy and regulatory roadmap for the retrofit sector.

The CLC argues that the policies would each help to unlock productivity in the construction industry, encouraging investment in new capabilities, skills and technology; closing the gap between the sector and the wider economy – in turn helping to create £45bn of additional added value annually for the UK; the equivalent to 2% of GDP. The policies are grouped under five ‘Ps’ – pipeline, procurement, places to live, performance and people – and represent the collective priorities of the CLC members across all parts of the construction industry, from SME housebuilders and materials suppliers to the largest contractors and clients, as well as the CLC’s 2023 report into construction productivity.

The CLC is a non-political body and works in partnership between industry and Government. As such, the letter is addressed to any future government, and has been written to be agnostic to the outcome of the 2024 General Election.

Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the CLC and Chairman and Chief Executive of Mace, said: “Whatever the result of the election in July, the fact remains that the construction industry offers any incoming government the biggest opportunity to create sustainable economic growth and unlock the potential of peoples, places and projects all over the country.

“The CLC is asking politicians of all parties to take this opportunity seriously, review our recommendations and ensure that businesses all over the UK are given the certainty and confidence they need to invest in a brighter future for the sector.”