The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has today reacted to the announcement of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister

Dr Victoria Hills, CEO at CIOB, said: “We welcome the new Prime Minister into his role and look forward to working with the new government to help tackle the UK's housing, infrastructure and skills challenges. 

“Close engagement between ministers, professional bodies and industry experts will be essential to ensure policy is shaped by those delivering projects on the ground.  We welcome the opportunity to meet with any new ministers to assist with their areas of responsibility and highlight the important contribution the construction industry can make in delivering positive outcomes for communities. “There has long been a strong case for devolving more skills funding and decision-making to combined and local authorities as well as empowering mayors to work closer with local employers, educators and trainers to tackle local skills gaps and enable opportunities. CIOB has consistently acknowledged that regional leaders are best placed to understand local demand and the skills required to deliver priorities like retrofitting, housing and infrastructure. We look forward to continuing to work with Government as meaningful devolution takes shape. 

“The industry also needs certainty. Changes in ministerial leadership and shifts in long-term policy impact businesses’ ability to plan, invest and recruit. We hope the new Prime Minister can provide stable leadership, honour long-term infrastructure commitments and work with the sector to give industry the confidence to deliver the homes, infrastructure and economic growth the UK needs.”