The Government has developed an Industrial Strategy to drive economic growth throughout the UK.
It comes as it marks its first 100 days in power and the construction industry has run the rule over what the Labour government has achieved so far and what the Industrial Strategy means.
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said there was much to welcome in the industrial strategy, which emphasises the importance of delivering growth while remaining committed to net zero.
“A place-based approach to renewal is positive, but devolved authorities must be properly supported to achieve this,” he said. “Architects also have a vital role to play to ensure the best possible outcomes across the country.
“However, steps must be taken to ensure that places which have suffered from underinvestment are not left behind.
“The creative industries are a powerhouse for growth, and we are pleased to see this recognised. To maximise their potential, the Government must facilitate access to a continued pipeline of domestic and international talent, including strengthening the mutual recognition of professional qualifications with the EU.
“Expertise from the built environment sector will be central to the strategy’s success, and we look forward to working with the Government on this plan to improve lives.”
The FMB has raised concerns about the viability of the strategy, which does not include construction as one of its eight 'growth driving sectors'.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, commented: “It is deeply concerning that the Chancellor and Business Secretary have published an Industrial Strategy for the new Government, but have not felt it necessary to include reference to the construction sector as an industry for growth, during a period where the UK is experiencing both a housing and skills crisis that are holding back and economic resurgence and threaten long-term market confidence.
“Given the focus on rebuilding Britain, it appears those that will be doing the physical work have been forgotten. While the Government is focussing on inviting big innovative investment, it should not forget the fundamentals of what drives growth. The consultation is an opportunity to ensure that construction doesn't end up as a side show sub-sector in the plan. Construction needs to be front and centre in the Government's drive for economic growth.
“The Government has made several promising announcements in recent weeks with proposals for significant planning reforms, an ambitious house building target of 1.5 million new homes, and the establishment of Skills England all welcome. However, there remain questions about the viability of these plans without serious investment to tackle the root causes. The new Industrial Strategy raises concerns around how integral to the overall UK economy Ministers see our industry, which should sit alongside services and manufacturing as a key pillar of economic growth.”
The Landscape Institute welcomed the government’s strategy and said it is vital that this growth improves people’s quality of life and addresses the climate and biodiversity crisis.
It said the landscape sector is a vital, growing part of the economy, worth around £24.6 billion in Gross Value Added terms, and employing 333,900 people in 49,300 businesses in 2022. The UK landscape sector is world-leading and is expanding almost twice as fast as the wider economy average (18% compared to 10% between 2010 and 2022). To maximise our ability to contribute, it is calling on the government to facilitate a long-term programme of skills support at all stages, from school leavers to professional levels.
Carolin Göhler FLI, President of the Landscape Institute, said: “The launch of the Industrial Strategy Green Paper is a very welcome first step in growing our economy and delivering for our local communities.
“Landscape professionals have the skills and experience to create sustainable solutions that can help revitalise our towns and cities with low-carbon developments and nature-based solutions that bring significant health and well-being, social and environmental benefits.”
In a new report marking the 100-day milestone of the new Government, green buildings experts have called on the government to “put pen to paper and wed planning reform to the Climate Change Act in law to head off a quagmire of uncertainty, delays and hostility”.
The UK Green Building Council has shone a spotlight on how Labour can turn the big decisions ahead on new developments, upgrading the country’s cold damp homes, and renewing our high streets into a legacy that puts us on track to tackle the climate, nature and cost of living crises.
The national charity, backed by hundreds of businesses in the industry, has assessed the Government’s progress with a new report tracking every announcement and commitment about the built environment and analysing it to indicate whether the country is on track to meet climate, nature and cost of living commitments and to make recommendations about the pivotal decisions ahead.
Simon McWhirter, Deputy Chief Executive for the green charity said: “The tone and early actions of this Government are streets ahead of the last on climate issues. But there’s still a massive hill to climb. And decisions are on a knife edge over planning reform and standards for new buildings. And a re-think is needed on levels of investment to upgrade the country’s cold, gas-guzzling homes.
“The stakes are high. The Government could see a nationwide backlash to its big plans for new development unless every decision helps, not hinders, efforts to tackle the climate and nature emergencies as well as the cost of living crisis. That means delivering what they voted for in Opposition, putting pen to paper and wedding the planning system to the Climate Change Act in law when it drafts the much-awaited Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
“Get it right and we could see a new era of clean electricity, affordable low-carbon homes where they’re needed, and large areas to protect and restore nature. Get it wrong and we could destroy what’s left of the country’s natural habitats, exceed our legally binding carbon budgets, and risk further planning confusion, legal challenges and higher costs.”
