New cabinet voice would help deliver ‘largest construction and infrastructure pipeline in Scotland’s history’
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Scotland has called on the next government to introduce a cabinet-level minister for construction ahead of the Holyrood elections on 7 May.
The trade association said a dedicated cabinet voice for construction and infrastructure would support the timely delivery of the “largest construction and infrastructure pipeline in Scotland’s history.”
Gordon Nelson, FMB Scotland director, said: “From housing delivery to major infrastructure projects, from energy transition to skills development, construction touches every aspect of Scotland’s economic and social future.
“The next Scottish Government must recognise this by appointing a cabinet-level minister for construction and infrastructure who can drive the coordinated action our sector needs and ensure we have the resources and focused political attention to deliver.”
Pam Wilson, the group’s president, pointed out that the sector accounts for 10% of the country’s economy and employs more than 200,000 people.
According to the FMB, the proposed role would help the government develop a comprehensive construction sector strategy addressing housing, retrofit and energy efficiency, infrastructure and skills as well as “ensure construction is represented in all major policy discussions affecting the built environment.”
In 2019, the Scottish government established the Construction Leadership Forum, a collaborative initiative between the construction industry, public sector and government.
It is chaired by the minister for business, trade, tourism and enterprise and aims to increase sustainability, productivity and diversity within the sector.
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