HBF welcomes Barker’s recognition of the housing supply crisis and the holistic approach taken in her recommendations.
Kate Barker’s conclusions and recommendations accept the need to work with the grain of the housing market and will require considerable revision to the current planning reform proposals. On a first read, there are no major issues of principle which we would object to, but as ever the devil might be in the detail.
Taken together the Recommendations, if implemented, would alter the policy environment in which the industry operates, allowing a significant increase in the supply of permissioned land and so bringing forward more new homes. This would be good for society, the economy and the housebuilding industry.
The report challenges developers to improve quality, design and customer satisfaction, as well as addressing industry’s weak record on innovation and modern manufacturing techniques.
Having established our credibility with the Review Team, Barker proposes that the HBF take the lead in a number of initiatives aimed at addressing those perceived weaknesses and we will, of course respond to the challenge.
Members reading the report (all 160 pages) will see that many of HBF’s recommendations have been incorporated, and we are delighted to have contributed to the broad thrust and detail of the proposals.
Although the Recommendations are broadly very positive from the industry perspective, their effectiveness or otherwise depends on Governments willingness to implement. A further caveat is that the Chancellor may well spring unpleasant surprises this afternoon - most likely regarding proposals to the land value uplift following grant of permission.
A more detailed briefing will be issued tomorrow, incorporating anything relevant from the budget.