Rachel Hughes, marketing director at Wienerberger UK and Ireland, explains what the General Election could mean for UK housebuilding, and how the next government can pave the way for success
The state of play in UK housebuilding is far from ideal. A recent Savills study paints a grim picture, projecting that new home construction in England could plummet to a mere 160,000 per year without decisive government action. The culprits behind this potential downturn are manifold: sky-high borrowing costs, a planning system that’s more maze than motorway, and building expenses that seem to know no ceiling.
Last year’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) report confirmed what many in the industry already knew – we’re building fewer than 250,000 homes annually, a far cry from the Conservative government’s 300,000 target. Despite lofty ambitions from successive administrations, our industry continues to grapple with economic headwinds, regulatory red tape, and a shortage of skilled labour.
Housebuilders are on the front lines of this crisis. That’s why Wienerberger UK and Ireland is calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the current system. What we need from the next government is a clear and actionable plan to accelerate our sector.
The housebuilder’s manifesto
First and foremost, planning reform is essential. The current system is a labyrinth that slows progress. We need a streamlined, efficient process that allows us to break ground faster. By empowering local councils and simplifying procedures, we can clear the backlog of undeveloped land and start delivering homes at the pace the country needs.
Together with planning reform is the critical issue of land availability. This doesn’t have to mean concreting over green belts. There’s a wealth of untapped potential in “grey belt” areas – such as disused car parks and concrete wastelands on city outskirts. By making these spaces available for development, we can create thriving new communities without sacrificing our precious green spaces.
Regulation is another area ripe for reform. No one’s arguing against the need for quality and safety standards, but when regulations become so complex and burdensome that they stifle innovation and efficiency, something’s got to give. We need a regulatory framework that maintains high standards while allowing us the flexibility to innovate and build smarter.
The skills gap in our industry is widening, and it’s holding us back. We need government backing for robust training programmes and apprenticeships that will equip the next generation of builders, roofers, and tradespeople with the skills needed for modern construction practices.
The next government also has a crucial role to play in creating a buyer-friendly market. This means introducing affordable mortgage schemes, offering meaningful incentives for first-time buyers, and ensuring overall stability in the housing market. By boosting demand, we can keep our industry thriving and make homeownership a reality for more people.
We’re also facing a critical juncture when it comes to sustainability. The initial costs of eco-friendly materials and practices can be steep, but the long-term benefits are undeniable. What we need is government support to bridge this gap. Subsidies or incentives for using low-carbon, thermally efficient, or power-generating materials could be the push we need to make sustainable building the norm rather than the exception. And let’s not forget the Future Homes Standard 2025 – we need clarity and decisive action on this front to raise the bar for new, sustainable homes across the board.
Social housing challenges
While private builders are feeling the squeeze, the social housing sector faces its own set of challenges. The gap between population growth and housebuilding rates has been widening since the 1980s, leaving a critical shortage of social and affordable housing. To address this, local authorities need more resources and autonomy to effectively increase their housing stock. Social housing providers are also grappling with the monumental task of upgrading ageing properties to meet modern energy efficiency standards. Limited funding and resources make this an uphill battle. The next government must step up with financial support and guidance to renovate affordable housing. It’s time to back up commitments to new social homes with concrete action and sufficient funding.
As we approach this critical juncture, the housebuilding industry stands ready to partner with the incoming government. By prioritising our sector’s needs and creating a stable environment for construction, the next administration can take meaningful steps towards solving the housing crisis. We envision a future where everyone has access to energy-efficient, healthy, climate-friendly, and affordable homes. But this vision requires bold and decisive action.
The next government could revitalise UK housebuilding
The General Election presents a golden opportunity to ignite transformative change in our industry.
By addressing planning restrictions, increasing land availability, streamlining regulations, tackling skills shortages, and improving market conditions, we can unlock the full potential of Britain’s housing industry.
We’re poised to help deliver the homes that future generations need and deserve. All we need now is a government ready to build alongside us.
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