Finnegan had the shock of his as he picked up an order of plasterboards and skim.

“I went last week to organise my plasterboard delivery and the 8x4 plasterboards with the supplier. They were £14 per board and bags of skim were the best part of £11 quid! I was paying £7 and a half quid in January last year!” for plasterboard. he added.

John Newcombe, CEO Builders Merchant Federation appeared on the show, arguing that prices had stabilised in recent months, even if they are not coming down. 

“Prices are stabilising, they are definitely not coming down. But we anticipate that the prices will come down as the year goes on,” he added.

However, listeners to the show disputed this point. Responding to a Fix Radio Instagram post about materials prices, Dewall 1966 claimed that timber prices were still going up.

 ‘I love Plumbing’ messaged saying – “Yes materials have started to come back in stock, but prices have gone up through the roof. It seems like we are all trying to make money of each other at whatever cost. Who can we trust anymore?’”

Other listeners sent similar messages expressing concern about the rising prices.

Gaz **3821 said, “it’s not so much supply these days, but prices have gone stupid! Luckily most of our customers are understanding about the situation.” 

DBS Builders was blunter: “We are being screwed!”

Nathan Jones added, “wholesales and merchants are grabbing every penny they can out of us because many of the big players are slowing down. Sole traders like me are passing on the increases and losing custom.” 

Newcombe suggested that tradespeople used merchants that are part of the BMF. If there are price issues with federation member stores, then customers can contact him directly and he will look into the matter.

To listen to the full show below.