With the UK general election not long behind us, people in roles like mine are now answering questions about what these results mean. This is particularly true for those of us working in Scotland.

I will leave the analysis of Scotland’s choices at the polls, public sentiments on political issues, and the future of the constitutional conversation to political scientists and analysts. Instead, let’s get into the specifics about what is on the horizon for Scotland’s construction sector post-election.

An important note for clarity; no seats at Holyrood have changed as a result of this election. General elections, that is, Westminster elections, are separate from Scottish parliamentary elections. The SNP is still in power, First Minister John Swinney is still in post, as is his cabinet. Scotland’s elections will take place in spring 2026.

There are reserved matters (decisions taken at Westminster which still affect Scotland and the other devolved nations) which, under a Labour Government, may impact Scotland’s construction sector as we move forward. We might also see a change of approach from Swinney’s SNP-led government given how his party faired at the recent election. Further, the Scottish Government will need to begin negotiating a new working relationship with Westminster. Nevertheless, much of the work of the Scottish Government will likely remain on course, especially work on key policy developments relating to the construction sector.

So, while pundits and politicians navigate this time of change, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) will maintain its advocacy and public affairs efforts in Scotland. That means, encouraging long-term, holistic, evidenced-based policymaking in the public interest, and ensuring the quality and safety of the built environment.

Housing remains a key issue, with recent calls from across the sector for urgent action from the Scottish Government in the wake of their recognition of a housing emergency. Ensuring there is a sufficient supply of new and affordable housing is critical. However, addressing the housing emergency will also require the maintenance of our existing housing stock.

For our part, CIOB will continue to advocate for changes to energy efficiency funding, in particular for Housing Associations, to allow them to improve the quality of their homes and prevent the loss of ‘unlettable’ units which do not meet incoming energy performance standards.

In terms of building quality and safety, the Cladding Remediation programme – falling under the Scottish Government’s jurisdiction – continues to move ahead at pace. What remains outwith the Scottish Government’s purview is the development of a building safety levy. In April, the previous Westminster Government, after consultation with stakeholders, agreed to devolve powers for the Scottish Parliament to establish a building safety levy to fund the cladding remediation programme. CIOB supported the devolution of these powers and the establishment of the levy. Therefore, we would like to see prompt action from the new Government to grant these powers.

As we await these legislative developments, the Scottish Government continues to make progress on the cladding remediation programme and has recently released the Single Building Assessment (SBA). SBAs will be used to assess buildings that are within the scope of Scotland’s Cladding Remediation programme and identify works where needed. CIOB, alongside industry partners, is working with the Scottish Government to ensure that professionals across the sector are well-informed and prepared to conduct SBAs as this programme ramps up.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s construction sector continues to face a worsening skills gap. At the UK level, CIOB has previously argued the current points-based immigration system has not helped crucial industries like construction to recruit the necessary skilled professionals. Encouragingly, the Labour Party Manifesto alluded to reforms to the points-based system. However, reform is by no means guaranteed. The ongoing focus, from all levels of government, on housebuilding will mean the sector needs even more suitably trained skilled professionals.

To support closing the skills gap within the Scottish context, CIOB will continue to contribute to conversations about apprenticeship funding and structures with partners across Scotland. Our collective priorities are increasing demand for apprenticeships in the sector; ensuring the ongoing sustainability of training provision for apprentices; and upholding the high standards of quality and skills developed during these programmes.

No matter the outcome of the general election, it remains a privilege to work with policymakers in Scotland. Across the parliamentary chamber, there are strong supporters and advocates for the construction industry, representing all political parties. I look forward to continuing to engage with MSPs from across the chamber to constructively work together to secure the long-term, clear policy direction needed to support our sector’s important work in Scotland.

• Jocelyne Fleming is policy and public affairs officer Scotland at CIOB