Publishing its manifesto for the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections, the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) has highlighted the significant impact of the economic downturn on the Scottish industry. It wants MSPs elected on 5 May to take action to ensure “that the construction industry continues to make a positive contribution to a vibrant and successful Scottish economy in the years to come”.
The manifesto urges action both to prioritise additional public funding and to mobilise private capital investment in this area. SBF is also looking for further action to simplify public procurement and streamline the planning process.
SBF wants the next Scottish Parliament to “make housing a national priority”. It also cites 2010 figures showing that more than one fifth of Scotland’s schools continue to be classified as being in ‘poor’ or ‘bad’ condition. It is calling for a “major programme of school building and refurbishment” to reduce the number of schools in this condition to zero by the end of the next Parliament.
Other priorities include measures to improve bank lending to construction firms, continued pressure on the UK government to cut the rate of VAT on domestic repair and maintenance works to 5% and a comprehensive retrofit programme to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
It also wants a targeted package of support and incentives to help construction employers with the recruitment and retention of apprentices. Despite the economic downturn, SBF argues, the construction industry still has the potential to offer thousands of on-the-job training opportunities for young people.
SBF points out that the construction sector employs 8% of Scotland’s working population and generates more than 10% of total economic output. Despite this huge contribution, SBF is concerned that the industry is underperforming due to fragmented representation at a political level and is urging the next Scottish government to appoint a minister for construction.
SBF chief executive Michael Levack said: “We are setting out a clear list of actions we think the next Holyrood administration needs to take to ensure that, over the next four years and beyond, the construction sector remains a critical contributor to a healthy Scottish economy.
“There can be no doubt that the industry has suffered considerably as a consequence of the economic downturn. Nonetheless, construction continues to make a substantial contribution to the Scottish economy, be that in terms of economic output, employment or apprenticeships.
“Whether through prioritised investment in schools and housing, incentives to green the built environment, or by cutting red tape in planning and procurement, our priorities will not only benefit the construction industry but will contribute towards building a sustainable recovery for the Scottish economy as a whole.
“In the run-up to 5thMay, I hope Scottish Parliament candidates across the political spectrum will acknowledge the strategic importance of the Scottish construction industry and commit themselves, if elected, to delivering the policies needed to help it thrive in the years to come.”
The Scottish Building Federation’s 2011 Scottish election manifesto
- Revise budget priorities to increase capital spending
- Simplify public procurement
- Make housing a national priority
- Complete the renewal of Scotland’s school building estate
- Improve bank lending
- Cut VAT on home building works to 5%
- Launch a comprehensive retrofit programme to green the built environment
- Enhance incentives for recruitment and retention of construction apprentices
- Streamline planning
- Appoint a dedicated minister for construction
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