Clive Holland, host of The Clive Holland Show, wanted to know - should the major housebuilders and government be doing more to support the industry?

Clive was joined by CEO of the Federation of Master Builders, Brian Berry for a deeper dive on the stats – as well as a man on the ground, and great friend Steve from Steve & Alex Bricklaying.

Berry said: “Housing output has dropped and it’s going to be less than what the government ha indicated and that’s a big worry for the industry particularly the small house builders who have been squeezed out of the market. Looking 30 to 40 years ago, 40% of all new homes were built by small house builders and that has dropped to just 10% or less now and that a huge worry if we are not building new homes it means people are not moving or buying new household goods or appliances and that has a ripple effect on other industries.”

A caller David Evans said: “The reason government targets are so high is for them to set aside budgets for the term in office.”

Another added: “If you look back in history, I'll wager not one party ever met their target?”

From Allied Construction, a caller pointed out that: “We are fed up of hearing all these promises from the parties. Many of our MP’s couldn't lay straight in bed. Most of them have fingers in the major build companies’ pies. We only build quality homes that we are proud of. Some of the junk the big players turn out is sub-standard at best.”

Steve said: “It’s a struggle to get work now because things are not well economically for most customers. Things are a lot more expensive now and it hasn’t been helped by unrealistic targets set by government of 300,000 per year when in actual fact it will be around 140,000 this year. And the reason for that is they they are building wrong houses. We recently passed through a new estat and all we saw where massive 5-bedroom expensive detached houses and a tiny corner where they are flats which are still priced out of rich for many. They are building wrong houses and for as long as that’s happening targets will be missed.”

For the full show, listen below: