The Liberal Democrat pledge to borrow only for productive investment in housing strikes the right balance between paying down the deficit, boosting economic growth and addressing the housing crisis, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “Like most business leaders, I’m keen to see the next government reduce the budget deficit and build a stronger economy. The Liberal Democrat pledge to only borrow for capital spending that enhances economic growth or financial stability, will not only boost the economy, it will also help address the housing shortfall. Also the Party’s commitment to ensure that investment in infrastructure, including in housing and energy efficiency, continues to rise both in absolute terms and as a share of the economy is much-needed and welcome.
“The Liberal Democrats has dedicated ten pages of its manifesto document to housing and has pledged to build 300,000 new homes a year to meet the current demand for new homes, while also addressing the backlog. This shows the party understands that the housing crisis is one of the greatest challenges our country faces. We particularly welcome its equal focus on improving our existing homes, which is essential if we are to maximise the existing stock and at the same time, meet our ambitious carbon reduction targets. The next government must get its approach to new and existing homes absolutely right if we have any hope of solving the housing crisis.”