FMB chief reports 'very positive' meeting with Tory leader on helping small contractors
The director general of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has met with David Cameron and shadow chancellor George Osborne to discuss how politicians can support small construction firms during the economic slump.
Speaking after the meeting, director general Richard Diment said he hoped the Conservative leader and his colleagues has gained a better understanding of the difficulties facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the construction sector, and would champion the cause in parliament.
“We are pleased the Conservative Party is taking seriously the concerns of SMEs at the highest level,” he said.
“Today's summit is particularly good news for the construction industry when it is dealing with such a difficult time; housebuilding is at its lowest level since 1945 and our latest state of trade survey shows that workloads continued to fall across the board.”
Diment said that during the meeting he suggested the FMB's five-point plan to kick-start the UK building industry.
Its measures include a reduction in VAT from 17.5% to 5% on repairs and maintenance work, simplifying the planning system, abandoning the proposed community infrastructure levy on developers and making stamp duty a graduated tax.
“The meeting was very positive,” said Diment. “I am hopeful that the Conservatives will take the concerns raised in today's summit forward in parliament.”
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