Queen’s speech was a first step to deliver certainty

December 23, 2019

During the state opening of Parliament, the Queen set out the Government’s legislative agenda.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “We are pleased to see the Government provide much needed Brexit certainty for our members. However, while the new immigration system is being shaped, a temporary construction VISA should be considered.

“We also hope to see the Government redouble its efforts to fix the broken planning process, which creates far greater business uncertainty in the construction sector than Brexit.

“The NFB supports the Government’s commitment to boost homeownership, invest in skills and infrastructure, tackle climate change and increase building safety. We look forward to collaborating with ministers and the civil service to help reach these targets.

“The only frustration was the lack of focus on crucial issues such as late payment, social housing, procurement reform and fixing the broken planning system.”

Nick Sangwin, NFB chair, said “A cut in business rates for small businesses is welcome news; however the Government has missed an opportunity to tackle late payment which seriously damages and too often bankrupts SMEs.”

National Federation of Builders

The National Federation of Builders is a United Kingdom trade association representing the interests of small and medium-sized building contractors in England and Wales.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Solutions to fix construction skills

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has released a report titled, ‘Skills to Build: Fixing Britain’s construction workforce crisis.’ After speaking to several organizations and having roundtables to garner a wide understanding of the sectors’ perspectives and needs, they have proposed twenty six recommendations that will fix the issues underpinning the skills crisis. Richard Beresford,…
Read More →
Breaking News

Budget Commentary – Mansion Tax, Business Rates & Planning Reform

Andrew Teacher, Co-founder at LauderTeacher, one of the UK’s leading advisors on real estate communications, investor relations and a former spokesman for the BPF, comments on the potential Budget. Mansion tax “Nobody likes paying tax, but the reality is a council tax revaluation is long overdue. Rather than distorting the market, which is what a…
Read More →
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Budget 2025 market data & home-mover and agent insight

Speculation about property tax changes is fuelling uncertainty across much of the market Rightmove research found that home-movers would favour staggered stamp duty payments, while a poll of estate agents also suggested that staggered payments would be a preferable change to shifting payment to the seller Rightmove data on rumoured property tax changes Mansion Tax…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 24/11/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. Symple resolves four core issues in the new Renter’s Rights Act Automating compliance in the new PRS landscape   The Renters’ Rights Act has raised the bar for private landlords in England in terms of property condition, hazard resolution, evidence of compliance and regulatory registration. Symple…
Read More →
Breaking News

What does Rachel Reeves have in store for the UK property market?

With the Autumn Budget now just days away, speculation is mounting that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will use property taxation as a central tool to address the widely reported fiscal shortfall of between £20bn and £40bn. As a result, the housing market has entered a period of caution, with asking prices falling 1.8 percent in…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Why Property Guarantors Need Legal Advice Before Signing

When it comes to property deals, it’s natural to look for additional support, especially when you’re not fully confident about meeting the terms of the agreement. This is where a guarantor comes into play, as they step in to give the property owner some assurance. The idea of helping someone you trust can feel quite…
Read More →