Scottish consortium calls for cabinet-level construction minister

In 2021, the SNP pledged to build 110,000 affordable new homes by 2032, but only 28% (31,064) have been completed, according to Scottish government statistics.

SCQSC is also urging reform of the current apprenticeship funding model, citing that for every £1 of government investment in the scheme, employers contribute an additional £10, affecting take-up among private construction firms.

Gordon Nelson, Scotland director at the Federation of Master Builders, said the lack of apprenticeships is stunting workforce growth and, conversely, construction targets.

“This is undermining the industry’s ability to build the new homes the country needs,” said Nelson. “Construction apprenticeships need to be protected and expanded and not become the victims of myopic cost-cutting.”

SCQSC’s manifesto aims to rally support among other stakeholders ahead of the election on 7 May. It has found backing, among others, from the Association of Project Safety, whose deputy CEO, Sofie Hooper, said she would welcome a minister for construction and infrastructure.

“A single voice at cabinet level would signal long-term commitment and seriousness to providing coherent policy solutions across departments, while acknowledging that construction is a key economic engine that needs solutions and investment unlocked at pace as part of the nation’s plan for the future.”