THE Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned that homeowners are cutting back on home improvements as the cost-of-living begins to bite.
The trade body spoke out in response to the latest figures published by the Office of National Statistics – ONS figures for August
FMB chief executive Brian Berry said, “Overall growth of 0.4% in the construction sector, albeit small, is welcome news but it masks a deeper concern about how homeowners are cutting back on home improvements as demonstrated by the 1% fall in August for repair, maintenance, and improvement work. Homeowners are tightening their purse strings against a backdrop of rising costs and economic uncertainty ahead of the October budget.
“The long-awaited budget will at least provide clarity about any tax increases that might further dampen consumer spending. Given the importance of the building industry to support economic growth the government needs to be outlining details about its election commitment to upgrade five million homes.
“This could provide a pipeline of work for many small builders as well as improving the homes of millions of families living in poorly insulated homes.”
