Campaign Builds Against Construction Cowboys

Carl Sargeant, Minister for Housing and Regeneration

 

As part of their campaign against rogue builders the Director of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Cymru, Richard Jenkins, has met with the Carl Sargeant, Minister for Housing and Regeneration.

As the Minister responsible for Building Regulations the FMB Cymru hope that Carl Sargeant will be able to discuss how better control of builders in the domestic building sector in Wales, could help put an end to the black economy and even save lives.

Richard Jenkins, Director of FMB Cymru, said:

“We have already presented evidence and been unanimously supported by the Cross Party Group on Construction, Chaired by Joyce Watson AM, and have met with the Minister for the Economy, who has agreed to convene a group to scope the issue further.

“The next step for our campaign is to speak with the Minister for Housing and Regeneration, as Wales and the UK are practically the only westernised countries that do not exercise a form of regulation or accreditation over domestic builders. We already have a good working relationship with the Minister, and following previous discussions with us, welcome his recent bold announcement over sprinklers systems and the shared equity scheme, Help to Buy Cymru, which will address failures in the market.

“We hope that the Minister will add his support to our campaign to end the absurd reality that builders working in the domestic sector are able to freely work with no regulatory or assessment framework.”

Carl Sargeant, Minister for Housing and Regeneration added:

“Delivering quality in building work is crucial in the safe and efficient use of resources, and in ensuring that clients gets what they pay for.

“Poor quality remains a concern in some parts of the home building industry  and so it is important that the government and the industry work together to take effective action.

“In addition to the building regulations and controls that set standards and ensure compliance, the Welsh Government supports customer assurance and protection through schemes such as Trustmark and the Building Regulations Competent Persons scheme.

“I am committed to exploring other ways in which poor quality might be tackled and how regulation might help. I welcome the commitment of the FMB and its members to delivering a quality service to its customers and am keen to discuss this area of mutual concern.”

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS AGREE VIEW ON DEVOLUTION OF STAMP DUTY

Richard Jenkins, FMB Cymru

The UK Government's Commission on Devolution in Wales ('Silk Commission') has recommended the devolution of certain tax and borrowing powers to Wales, including Stamp Duty Land Tax.  The UK Government is yet to fully respond to its Commission, but has today announced its intention to consult with business before reaching a decision. Jane Hutt, the Welsh Minister for Finance, has also met with business leaders over the last couple of months - to hear business’ initial views on the way that Stamp Duty Land Tax operates at the moment, and how it might be reformed in the future should the UK Government agree to devolve the tax.

The CBI and Federation of Master Builders (FMB Cymru) have been working closely with the Silk Commission and the Minister on the issue of Stamp Duty Land Tax, and will continue to work with the Westminster Government over the upcoming months following their announced intention to consult with business in advance of a decision.

If used effectively, devolution and reform of stamp duty could be an effective tool for growth, as a result both organisations are in support of the devolution of Stamp Duty to the Welsh Government, and that there should be a clear timeframe set for the decisions to be taken. The Welsh housing industry has been one of the worst hit during the recession and is struggling to recover, and Stamp Duty has the potential to add a much needed injection of growth into the market, at a time where costs of development are set to increase.

Richard Jenkins, Director of FMB Cymru said:

“We welcome the Treasury’s intention to seek the views of business on this matter and therefore will make our policy clear. We urge UK Ministers to respond positively to the recommendation to devolve Stamp Duty made by the Silk Commission. 

“Our view is that Stamp Duty Land Tax should be devolved to the Welsh Government as a matter of urgency. The Welsh housing industry is in a poor state of health and Stamp Duty could be used to creatively to support the sector, and to offset the accumulated costs of development, which are set to rise.”

Emma Watkins, Director of CBI Wales commented:

“The views of the CBI are very clear in supporting the devolution of stamp duty.  If used effectively, devolving and reforming stamp duty could be used as a tool for growth, stimulating housebuilding and supporting home buyers. We will engage with the Treasury over the summer and make the views of business known.

“The lack of certainty and clarity on a deadline for Silk is not helping business - both those in Wales and those looking to invest.  CBI will continue to engage with all parties for a swift resolution, in the interests of driving forward the economy - and growth.”

Link to announcement:

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-vote-office/July_2013/17-July-2013/6.Treasury-Devolution-in-Wales.pdf

FMB Cymru Meet Edwina Hart AM to Discuss Rogue Traders

A group of Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Cymru members have met with Edwina Hart AM, the Minister for the Economy, on 11^th July to discuss current topics affecting the sector.

In addition to addressing specific issues FMB Cymru want to build a direct dialogue with Welsh Government, especially through discussions with the Minister and the Sector Panel on Construction.

Richard Jenkins, Director of FMB Cymru said:

“FMB Cymru’s members will be able to advise the Minister on the realities currently facing small construction firms, and importantly what changes they need in order to grow. To be accepted as a FMB Cymru member building firms are independently assessed to ensure only businesses meeting our standard can carry the badge – this means that the work of our members is the highest quality in the sector. Rogue or cowboy builders unedrmine the sector’s reputation and undermine and undercut genuine construction companies.

“FMB Cymru plans to put a stop to rogue builders by seeking improved regulation of the domestic building industry. We were pleased that the Cross Part Group on Construction has supported our campaign to drive out the rogue builder at their meeting. We hope that this meeting will place this important FMB Cymru campaign at the heart of the Minister’s agenda for the construction industry in Wales.

“We hope that this meeting will open a continued dialogue between FMB Cymru, small construction firms in Wales and the Minister. FMB Cymru would welcome backing by the Minister for our campaign to ensure high standards for domestic construction in Wales - which would not only benefit the honest small builders who often struggle to compete against rogue builders, but the consumer as well.”

Following the meeting Economy Minister Edwina Hart said:

“The construction sector in Wales is dominated by SMEs and the meeting with the FMB, which represents the interest of SMEs, was very informative. Construction is one of our key economic sectors and I want businesses of all sizes to be in a position to benefit from the number of large scale projects that are currently underway or in the planning stages in Wales."