In this exclusive comment, the BMA responds to the Queeen’s speech.
With a national political target to build 300,000 homes a year, homeownership is about to take centre stage in the Government’s ‘levelling-up roadshow.
The recent Queen’s Speech provided an opportunity to remind us of the ‘unprecedented support provided to businesses’ during the pandemic. And moving forward, the political priority will be more support for businesses driving economic growth, boosting research and development, and helping achieve the net-zero 2050 target. These plans are apparently designed to provide ‘rocket fuel’, firing up Britain’s fortunes, and creating a nation of homeowners.
The powers of the Planning Bill promise to radically shift the way decisions are made on new developments. The whole of the construction sector stands to benefit from this, and with new build homes commonly having more bathrooms than there are actual occupants, this will be good news for BMA members.
The recent closure of the Green Homes Grant scheme after just six months of operation has caused damage, and a sense of inconsistency around energy efficiency policy and has cast doubt in the minds of both consumers and industry.
The design and administration of the scheme and the challenges it created for those attempting to access it meant much of the initial public enthusiasm and the confidence of businesses was undermined.
The national aspirations are clear, we understand what is expected in terms of more homes and net-zero, but the devil is in the detail. How are we supposed to deliver these ambitions?
The construction sector needs to see tangible long-term commitments to help the industry make good on these promises and targets.
