The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has welcomed the UK Government’s latest Spending Review, which includes a major funding increase for affordable housing, school rebuilding, and skills training.

The announcement has been broadly supported across the construction industry, with the NFRC calling for a strong emphasis on quality, skills, and workforce sustainability.

£39bn Housing Investment a “Positive Signal” 

As part of its long-term infrastructure commitments, the government confirmed significant additional funding for the Affordable Homes Programme, aiming to tackle the UK’s ongoing housing shortage. The NFRC said the move provides a “positive signal” for the wider construction sector, but stressed that successful delivery will depend on high standards and a skilled labour force.

NFRC Director of Membership Richard Miller said:

“It’s encouraging to see the Government making a strong commitment to social and affordable housing at a time when difficult decisions are being made across the board.

A safe, well-built home is the foundation for a stable life, and this investment will play a key role in making more of these homes available to those who need them.”

The federation has also backed proposals to unlock greater private sector investment in housebuilding via Homes England, noting that effective implementation will be key to achieving targets for both new housing and carbon reduction.

School Estate Investment to Drive Public Sector Work

Alongside housing, the government announced nearly £2.3bn per year to address the backlog of repairs across England’s schools, plus an additional £2.4bn to rebuild 500 school buildings.

The NFRC said this offers a major opportunity for roofing contractors and construction firms to deliver high-quality public sector works.

With solar panels set to become mandatory on new homes under the Future Homes Standard, Miller warned that roofing installations must be carried out by properly qualified professionals:

“That policy will only work if solar systems are properly designed and installed by professionals with the right expertise in both PV technology and roofing.”

Skills Investment Welcomed, But Financial Pressures Remain

The government’s commitment to invest up to £1.2bn per year in skills training by the end of the current Parliament was welcomed as a critical step toward addressing labour shortages. However, the NFRC also warned that financial pressure on construction SMEs is mounting, particularly around employment costs.

Miller added:

“In our most recent Spring survey, cost of employment was the most cited challenge facing roofing businesses, with 76% of responding Members highlighting the issue.

Construction insolvencies remain high, and any further financial strain could put the Government’s housing ambitions at risk, regardless of how much funding is committed.”

Industry Calls for Certainty Ahead of Infrastructure Strategy

The NFRC said it is now looking ahead to the publication of the government’s ten-year infrastructure strategy, which is expected to provide a long-term pipeline of work. The organisation stressed that clear timelines and deliverable projects will be essential for firms planning future investment and workforce development.

As the construction industry prepares for a wave of new housing, public sector upgrades, and green energy installations, the NFRC is urging the government to back its funding pledges with practical support for contractors and the supply chain.