HOUSING REFORM FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
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The last decade has brought to the fore, the substantial challenges the UK faces in delivering the homes people want to thrive in.
A number of interconnecting issues have shaped our housing landscape, and they reflect broader economic, social, and political trends, as well as the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Concerns over affordability, housing supply, cost of construction, quality, safety and addressing energy inefficiencies are not new. Nor are the challenges associated with changing working patterns, labour shortages, economic uncertainty and delivering Government targets, while at the same time protecting our environment and ourselves from the impacts of climate change.
Government interventions and reforms are ongoing, but is enough really being done to address the fundamental challenges facing the housing market?
The recently published Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a critical legislative intervention designed to tackle some of the biggest problems facing the sector, including the need for well-integrated infrastructure to support it.
Ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to deliver our housing is critical, yet too often it can feel like an afterthought in the rush to build and sell new homes.
The Civil Engineering Contractors Association believes that there are a number of core areas that must be reviewed and upgraded well before the first spade goes into the ground. These include:
- Transport infrastructure
- Energy and utilities, including wastewater management.
- Social and green infrastructure. Ie schools, medical and social care, parks etc.
- Digital infrastructure
- Emergency services resource and other public safety measures.
- Economic opportunities and skills development.
- Flood defences, coastal protection and disaster management.
Focusing first on infrastructure need ensures that new homes are not only functional and safe but are also part of vibrant, sustainable, and connected communities. Well-planned infrastructure enhances both the quality of life for people as well as contributing to economic growth.
The Government’s ambitious target to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029 is seen as crucial to solving the housing crisis and driving growth.
However, there is warning from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) that this target might be missed, despite the recently announced planning reforms.
It’s likely that a multi-faceted approach is required to address all these challenges at the same time.
Such an approach needs strong policy leadership, collaboration between stakeholders, investment in innovation, and a long-term commitment to building sustainable and inclusive communities.
The overarching goal must be to create a housing sector that not only meets the needs of current generations but also protects the environment and provides secure, affordable homes for future generations.
I am looking forward to discussing these issues with those at the forefront of policy making at the upcoming UK Construction Week.
I will be joined by Kevin Hollinrake MP, the Shadow Housing Minister and Gideon Amos OBE MP, Housing Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats.
I hope that you too can join us, for what will undoubtedly be rigorous debate, with plenty of opportunities for audience participation.
Challenging the Agenda: Housing Reform for a Sustainable Future, will take place on The Main Stage, at 2.45 pm on Day One (7 May) of UK Construction Week.
Secure your complimentary ticket
Author:
Marie-Claude Hemming
Director of Operations
Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA)
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