Following the result of the general election last week and the subsequent cabinet reshuffle, BSRIA chief executive Julia Evans has commented on the challenges faced ahead.

She said: 'During the election campaign housing emerged as a key topic for all the parties, at BSRIA we agree with the need to increase the housing supply. The previous coalition had implemented changes to the planning regulations enabling housing permissions to be brought forward, this combined with the Help to Buy scheme has seen much needed support for the housing market.

'The new Government also has a stated aim to provide 200,000 starter homes by 2020'. All of which will stimulate the market, however to deliver on this we need to invest in the practical skills needed and take this as an opportunity to positively promote our industry as a good long term career choice'

She continued: 'With Housing and Carbon Reduction at the forefront of Government policies the next Parliament has the potential to provide opportunities for the construction industry to continue to grow, therefore we need to invest now to attract and retain talent into the industry, and provide the on-going skills development required to construct the energy efficient buildings required now and in the future'

'Prior to the Election the leaders of the three major parties pledged to work together to combat climate change. Now with a changed political environment we strongly hope that all parties and their new leaders honour their position and continue to work together to deliver the previously made pledges: to seek a fair, strong, legally binding, global climate deal which limits temperature rises to below 2°C; to work together, across party lines, to agree carbon budgets in accordance with the Climate Change Act; to accelerate the transition to a competitive, energy efficient low carbon economy and to end the use of unabated coal for power generation.'

Ms Evans concluded: 'With the UN summit for Climate Change taking place in November it is important that all parties re-affirm their commitment to the pledges and to working together addressing this crucial issue.'