NFB insight session highlights Devolution’s impact on UK construction
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has delivered its first political and market insight session focused on devolution, providing senior construction leaders with an overview of how changing governance is shaping the UK housing and construction sectors.
Led by NFB’s Sean Houlston, Rico Wojtulewicz, and former Housing Minister Eddie Hughes, the session brought together expertise from policy, politics, and industry to explain how devolved decision-making is influencing where, how, and why construction activity occurs.
The session was delivered to senior leaders from RE:GEN Group, an NFB member and major construction and regeneration business. “As businesses expand across regions and navigate increasingly complex funding and delivery models, understanding devolution is essential,” the NFB said.
How Devolution Is Reshaping Construction
Devolution has shifted the balance of power within the UK, with decisions on housing investment, regeneration, infrastructure, and skills increasingly made at a regional level by Combined Authorities, metro mayors, and local political leaders. Businesses must understand both national policy and the priorities, structures, and political dynamics of the regions where they operate.
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During the session, the NFB outlined the evolution of the devolution landscape, including the rise of Combined Authorities, incoming Strategic Authorities, and the growing role of directly elected mayors. The session also explored how recent and emerging legislation strengthens regional powers in planning, housing, transport, and economic development.
“A central theme was the need to understand where decisions are made and who influences them,” the NFB said. “Devolution is not a single, uniform model, with different regions operating at different levels of maturity, with varying governance structures, funding arrangements, and political priorities.”
Local Government Reorganisation and Funding
The session examined the impact of local government reorganisation on council structures and decision-making. While this can create short-term disruption, it also opens up opportunities for engagement as new structures and priorities are established.
Political drivers shaping regional decision-making were discussed in detail, including the roles of mayors, council leaders, and MPs. The session highlighted how political leadership can influence housing strategies, procurement approaches, social value requirements, and long-term investment priorities.
Funding was also a key focus, with the NFB noting that national programmes are increasingly delivered through devolved systems. “Regional authorities are playing a growing role in directing investment and setting delivery expectations. Aligning with skills, employment, and social impact priorities is now central to many funding programmes,” the session explained.
As devolution evolves, the NFB is expanding support for members to help businesses navigate regional structures, engage with decision-makers, and position themselves for growth.
