A broad housing strategy is needed to support the Government's plan to build one million homes over the next five years, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has stated.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said the housing target is a "great step forward" to address the current crisis.

"This equates to 200,000 homes a year which, although is still around 50,000 fewer each year than what is required to keep pace with demand, is a realistic increase on what is currently being delivered," he said.

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"What is needed now is a clear long term strategy for housing to underpin the new one million target.

"The strategy needs to address the barriers that prevent new housing being built such as the need to speed up the planning process and a commitment to ensure local authority planning departments are adequately resourced."

Mr Berry added: "We urge the Government to take further steps towards empowering the smaller house builders which will play a crucial role in delivering the 200,000 homes a year target.

"Otherwise, the gap between what is needed and what is being delivered will remain considerable."

(LM/MH)