Reader panel’s thoughts on the general election

Our 26-strong reader panel drawn from across the sector were asked about their thoughts on the election. The straw poll was taken near the start of the election campaign and before the parties had published their manifestos. Here are some of their answers:

Do you think Theresa May is right to call an election now?

• Yes: 85%
• No: 5%
• Indifferent: 10%

What outcome do you think would be the best for construction?

• Return of the Conservatives with slim majority: 25%
• Return of conservatives with an increased majority: 45%
• A Labour-led government: 5%
• A Liberal Democrat-led government: 10%
• Other: 15%

The three main parties appear to be taking a different stance on Brexit. Which do you think would be best for construction?

• The Conservatives pledging hard Brexit with no freedom of movement: 64%
• Labour’s approach: 9%
• Lib Dems’ promise of a new referendum: 27%

How optimistic are you for the buoyancy of the construction market in the wake of the election?

• Very optimistic: I see construction orders continuing to grow over the next 2- 3 years: 15%
• I’m concerned: we are heading for a bumpy ride and the economy and construction could go down hill in the next 24 months: 40%
• We might see a few blips but overall I think the economy and construction market will be fine: 45%

What would be the one single policy you would like the current government to change if it were re-elected?

• The privatisation of the NHS for both personal and business reasons. The NHS is a significant construction client. This running down and privatising approach to our NHS is both abhorrent and will contribute to destabilising the construction industry.
• Its stance on government-led house building.
• Increase tax on self-employed, the majority of those who fail to contribute to NI and effectively circumnavigate the system is unsustainable.
• Reduction in foreign aid.
• Tax avoidance/evasion by large companies and property ownership in UK by offshore companies owned/controlled by corrupt individuals/regimes.
• Education policy changed to promote construction and engineering skills.
• Greater investment in skills – from trades to tech.
• Construction labour-related policy.
• Bring an end to the austerity strategy and loosen the purse strings a little to initiate investment in construction, particularly housing.
• Re-introduction of grammar schools.
• Consistent long-term support for major construction projects to allow effective (and cost-effective) planning.
• To adjust its policy on electoral reform.
• Freedom of movement needs to be looked at with great detail.