Industry bodies unveil construction manifestos for Wales and Scotland

In the manifesto, CIOB calls for more joined-up thinking across future government departments to overcome ongoing issues caused by policy being developed in siloes, which it says have real-world consequences for the built environment sector, such as ineffective policies, slow delivery and overinflated costs. 

CIOB says these issues often result in poor outcomes for Scotland’s households, as well as the environment, employers and those aspiring to work in the industry. 

Jocelyne Fleming, who leads CIOB’s policy and public affairs work in Scotland, insisted Scotland’s challenges in housing, climate change and building safety are not the result of a lack of ambition. 

“They are the result of systems that are not designed to deliver complex change at pace and scale,” she said. 

“Our three key priorities, if addressed by the next government, will go a long way toward cutting consumer energy bills and reducing rates of fuel poverty, decarbonising the built environment to meet climate targets, getting more people into work and, crucially, ensuring everyone has a warm, safe home.  

“Our manifesto, based on a fundamental shift to a system-wide approach to policymaking, outlines clear, tangible actions the next government can take to move Scotland’s built environment policy from ambition to delivery.” 

CIOB’s manifesto for Wales outlines five priority areas, which relate to retrofitting, including its delivery and funding, procurement processes for public work and the construction skills gap. 

The manifesto recommends practical steps future leaders can take to improve the construction sector to the benefit of Wales, which CIOB says is a “barometer” for the country’s economic landscape.

David Kirby, who leads CIOB’s policy and public affairs work in Wales, said: “The importance of the built environment continues to be acknowledged by policymakers of all levels and members of the public across Wales. However, since the last Senedd election in 2021, the sector continues to face challenges.

“The growing skills gap and recruitment issues alongside continued high energy costs, material costs, labour costs and a tough economy more widely, mean the sector in Wales struggles compared to the rest of the UK, and many construction companies have ceased trading as a result. This is particularly negatively impacting SMEs, which make up the majority of the Welsh construction sector.”

FMB Cymru has also unveiled its manifesto for Wales, outlining how the Welsh government can support the nation’s local builders. 

The Builders’ Manifesto for Wales 2026, which will be officially launched at the Senedd on 4 February, calls for better support to tackle the housing crisis, decarbonise the nation’s ageing housing stock, address labour shortages and drive up competency in the industry. 

The manifesto calls for a rebalancing of the housing market through stronger support for local SME housebuilders. 

FMB Cymru is urging the Welsh government to set ambitious national housing targets across all tenures, mandate the allocation of small sites in development plans, raise the threshold for major developments to 50 units, and provide access to finance for the pre-planning phase of housebuilding. 

As part of the manifesto, there is also a focus on existing homes, highlighting a clear need to develop a long-term retrofit plan for the industry.

FMB Cymru has warned that the sector needs an additional 2,200 skilled workers each year to meet demand, but it is currently losing around 300 workers annually.

According to the manifesto, with one-third of workers over 45 and only 20% aged 16 to 24, the replacement pipeline is dangerously thin. 

FMB Cymru has set out the need for a national construction skills strategy, a rebalancing of Welsh government funding to provide incentives for SMEs to employ apprentices, and a shift towards outcome-based funding that rewards successful progression into employment.

The manifesto also presses for the introduction of a licensing scheme to address the challenges posed by rogue builders, who undercut reputable builders, erode public trust, and devalue skilled work. FMB research found that one in 10 homeowners in Wales had been affected by disreputable builders in the last five years alone.

Ifan Glyn, FMB Cymru director, said: “A strong construction sector is fundamental to Wales’ future, and builders must be backed. A workforce of local, skilled tradespeople keeps our communities thriving and our economy moving. 

“We need to train the next generation, offer secure careers, and provide clear pathways of opportunity for people entering the construction industry in Wales. 

“The Builders’ Manifesto for Wales 2026 sets out a practical, pro-growth agenda to help deliver more homes, improve the current stock, raise standards of competence, and create high-quality jobs.”