The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has said the Department for Business Innovation and Skills' (BIS) new Chief Construction Adviser role will achieve nothing until the powers of the post are far stronger.

Richard Diment, Director General of the FMB said: "Ideally the construction industry needs a minister that has a strong voice at the top table of Government, who understands the issues facing the industry in order to deliver the built environment that the country needs and deserves. As the government won’t make that appointment, the Chief Construction Advisor must have real powers to deliver meaningful change in the way in the way constriction is planned, procured and regulated in the UK. This role must be more than window-dressing or nothing will be done to address the disjointed way Government approaches the construction industry."

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Mr Diment concluded: "This must be more than simply a token gesture; the Chief Construction Adviser cannot merely chair meetings and oversee existing programmes and initiatives. This cannot be yet another missed opportunity. The Government has to do something to help a struggling, recession weary industry in crisis."

(CD/GK)