The construction industry in the UK is facing one of its most challenging periods in recent memory. Housebuilding activity has slowed, planning delays continue to frustrate developers and homeowners alike, and rising costs have made many people think twice about moving home, extending their property, or investing in major renovation projects. Across the country, there is growing concern that a lack of new housing and infrastructure could have lasting consequences for communities and economic growth.
In light of this, the industry-led 'Let's Get Britain Building - NOW!' campaign has emerged as a call for action. Supported by organisations across the construction supply chain, the campaign is focused on overcoming obstacles that are preventing the delivery of much-needed homes, encouraging investment in property improvements, and addressing the skills shortages that continue to affect the industry.
While the campaign may sound like an issue primarily for builders, developers and merchants, the reality is very different. Homeowners stand to benefit significantly from a healthier construction sector. More housing, faster planning decisions and a stronger and more skilled workforce could improve housing affordability, create better opportunities for home improvements and strengthen local economies throughout the UK.
But the stakes are high. If Britain fails to accelerate housebuilding and infrastructure development, housing shortages could worsen, economic growth could remain sluggish and communities may miss out on investment opportunities. Equally, if the industry is given the support it needs to thrive, the benefits could be felt far beyond the construction sector, helping homeowners, businesses and future generations alike.
At its core, Let's Get Britain Building - NOW! is a national campaign calling for urgent action to support the housing and construction sectors in the UK. Launched and led by STARK Building Materials UK through the Jewson brand, and backed by major industry organisations including the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), the effort calls for the removal of barriers preventing new homes, infrastructure projects and property improvements from moving forward.
Let's Get Britain Building - NOW! was created as a response to growing concerns across the construction industry. Housebuilding activity has slowed, planning applications face significant delays, nationwide skilled labour shortages continue, and economic uncertainty has reduced confidence among homebuyers, homeowners and developers alike.
Industry leaders warn that unless action is taken, the consequences could be felt throughout the economy, affecting everything from housing availability and affordability to jobs and local investment.
To address these challenges, the campaign is urging the Government to focus on three key priorities:
Some of the campaign's objectives also align with wider Government efforts to accelerate housing delivery and economic growth. The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 - a major piece of Government legislation - aims to streamline planning procedures, speed up decision-making and help unlock the delivery of new homes and major infrastructure projects. While separate from the Let's Get Britain Building - NOW! campaign, the Act represents one potential mechanism that could help achieve some of the campaign's goals, particularly around planning reform and reducing delays that can hold back development and investment.
Although rooted in construction, the campaign aims to improve housing delivery, strengthen the workforce and support wider economic growth.
Many homeowners assume that building more homes only benefits first-time buyers, but the reality is far broader. A healthy housing market relies on a steady supply of properties that meet demand at every stage of life. When housing shortages persist, pressure builds throughout the market, making it harder for families to move, downsize or find suitable homes in their local area.
Increasing housing supply can create a more balanced market, encouraging mobility and supporting long-term stability. Rather than creating uncertainty, well-planned housing developments can help communities grow sustainably and provide the facilities, services and infrastructure that residents need.
Key benefits for homeowners:
One of the key themes of the Let's Get Britain Building - NOW! campaign is the need for a simpler and more efficient planning system. Supporters argue that lengthy approval processes are slowing everything from large-scale housing developments to smaller residential projects. This objective aligns with the Government's Planning and Infrastructure Act, which seeks to streamline planning procedures and accelerate the delivery of homes and infrastructure across the UK.
For homeowners, planning uncertainty can be costly and frustrating. Delays can increase project costs, affect contractor availability and discourage investment, making a more efficient planning process essential.
Why planning reform matters:
The construction industry is facing a significant skills challenge, with many experienced tradespeople approaching retirement and too few new workers entering the sector. This shortage affects everything from new housing developments to roofing projects, extensions and energy-efficiency upgrades.
For homeowners, a lack of skilled labour can mean longer waiting times, higher costs and limited availability of trusted contractors.
What this means for homeowners:
Construction has long been one of the UK's most important economic drivers. Every new home built creates demand across a vast supply chain that includes manufacturers, merchants, transport companies, contractors and professional services.
Higher construction activity supports employment, investment and local businesses, with wider benefits for communities across the UK.
Economic benefits include:
When discussions around construction and economic growth make the headlines, it is easy to assume the responsibility lies solely with the Government, developers and major contractors. However, homeowners also have an important role to play. Every home improvement project, renovation and repair contributes to the wider economy by creating demand for materials, supporting skilled tradespeople and keeping money circulating within local communities.
Across the UK, millions of homes require maintenance, upgrades and energy-efficiency improvements. Whether it is replacing an ageing roof, improving insulation, upgrading guttering or extending living space, these investments do more than enhance a property. They support a vast supply chain of manufacturers, merchants, distributors and roofing professionals who rely on a healthy flow of work to sustain jobs and economic activity.
This is where trusted suppliers such as Roof Giant play an important role. By providing homeowners and contractors with access to high-quality roofing materials, insulation products, roof windows, drainage solutions and building supplies, Roof Giant helps ensure improvement projects can move forward efficiently and cost-effectively.
Investing in your home doesn't just improve your property - it also supports local tradespeople and the wider construction supply chain. Collectively, these projects help maintain demand across the sector while improving the quality and resilience of the UK's housing stock.
Ways homeowners can support Britain's building future:
Continued housing shortages could make it even harder for future generations to access home ownership, while planning delays and skills shortages may further restrict growth.
For homeowners, this could result in higher construction costs, reduced contractor availability and fewer opportunities to improve or move home. For the wider economy, slower construction activity risks limiting job creation, investment and economic confidence.
Potential risks of doing nothing:
If you believe Britain needs more homes, a faster planning system and greater investment in construction skills, one of the simplest ways to support the campaign is by signing the official parliamentary petition. The petition calls on the Government to introduce measures that help restore confidence in the housing market, unlock stalled projects and create the conditions needed for long-term growth across the construction sector.
Support the call for more homes, planning reform and investment in construction by signing the Let's Get Britain Building - NOW! petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/766641
Let's Get Britain Building Report: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/22111496/
