The next Prime Minister must move faster on construction reform if the UK is to deliver its housing, infrastructure and economic growth ambitions, according to the National Federation of Builders (NFB).

Following Keir Starmer’s resignation, the trade body said his government should be credited for making planning reform a priority, but warned that the pace of implementation has failed to match the scale of the challenge facing the construction sector.

The NFB said Starmer’s administration had taken a more proactive approach to planning reform than recent governments, particularly during its early period in office.

Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders, said: “Starmer was the first Prime Minister in some time that promised planning reform and acted on it.

“The early days saw reforms without consultation, a commitment in the face of critics and an unwavering dedication to ensuring Britain builds things again.

“His ambition must be recognised and credited; however, the pace of implementation, or rather the plodding nature of it, after a strong early showing is also part of his legacy.”

Construction sector wants faster action on housing and procurement

The federation is now calling on Starmer’s successor to accelerate reforms that it believes are critical to unlocking construction growth and increasing housing delivery.

Among the priorities identified by the NFB are further procurement reforms to support local businesses, measures to help SME housebuilders access medium-sized development sites and action to tackle late payment across the supply chain.

Beresford said: “His successor must get back into the fast lane, ensuring further procurement reforms support local businesses. SME housebuilders get their medium sized site before broader planning reforms come in. And late payment is ended before the year end.”

Construction capacity key to economic growth

The NFB warned that construction remains central to the government’s wider growth agenda but argued that policy challenges continue to restrict the sector’s ability to deliver.

The federation said future ambitions around housing, transport infrastructure, healthcare facilities, commercial development and clean energy projects will be difficult to achieve unless barriers affecting construction capacity are addressed.

Beresford added: “They must also understand that construction is the key to growth, but the industry is not in a healthy place because of government policy.

“If the next PM does not understand that and seek to solve its challenges, any ambition to deliver housing, roads, rail, hospitals, commercial space for modern jobs, amenities, clean power or anything built, will see the zero-sum game of capacity and land use continue to hamper British growth and prosperity.”

Industry looks for certainty following leadership change

The comments come at a time when the construction sector is seeking greater certainty around planning policy, housing delivery targets, infrastructure investment and procurement reform.

With a new Prime Minister set to take office, industry bodies are expected to push for faster implementation of reforms designed to increase development activity and improve conditions across the construction supply chain.