The Builders Merchant Federation (BMF) issued a rallying call at its annual Parliamentary Reception, urging the government to introduce targeted measures to galvanise the market and tackle the malaise in the housebuilding sector.
MPs attending the event, including The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Chris Curtis, Co-Chair of the Labour Growth Group, The Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly, Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Andrew Griffith, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, were told of the significant pressures affecting the industry and why urgent action is needed.
BMF CEO, John Newcomb, confirmed BMF members’ support for the government’s stated ambition to build 1.5 million new homes and upgrade existing ones under the Warm Homes Plan, before describing how the flagship housing commitment has been hampered by planning capacity issues, regulatory delays like nutrient neutrality, insufficient skilled workers, and, most notably, weak consumer confidence.
Calling for a new approach to quickly restore momentum in the housing market and promote job creation, John Newcomb said:
“Fresh momentum is essential to deliver new homes of all types and tenures, built to higher standards, and affordable for people to buy or rent.
“The Planning and Infrastructure Act, which recently became law, should help unlock stalled projects in the medium term – but that might be too late.
“Young people, in particular, face increasing difficulties in getting onto the property ladder. Yet, for the first time in over 60 years, there is a noticeable absence of government support for first-time buyers, which has heightened frustration among aspiring homeowners.
“We urge the Government to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the housing market, particularly for first-time buyers, through targeted stimulus measures, such as the Freedom to Buy concept proposed by the Home Builders Federation.”
Image: BMF
