The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has responded to the latest statistics from the ONS that show construction output grew by 2.5% in 2019, compared to 0% growth in 2018.
Brian Berry, the FMB’s Chief Executive, said: “Despite toxic uncertainty, political ups and downs and bad weather in 2019, it is a testament to the resilience of the construction sector that it grew by 2.5% last year. However, the positive overall figure for last year shouldn’t mask the disappointing performance of the repair and maintenance sector which saw minimal growth of 0.7% and a fall of 1.7% in private housing repair and maintenance.”
Brian continued: “A national retrofit strategy would help boost the domestic repair and maintenance sector, providing confidence and support to homeowners and builders to make the necessary upgrades to our ageing housing stock. At this same time, this would help to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.”
