AFTER YEARS of sluggish construction amidst economic turmoil, Britain’s future homeowners and tenants are eager for a revolution in the housebuilding sector. As the nation heads to the polls this July for the General Election, will the next government finally provide the much-needed boost to this critical industry?

Wienerberger UK and Ireland, supplier of roofing and building envelope solutions, has a candid wish list for the sector: ease planning restrictions, release more land for development, simplify regulations, invest in skills and labour, and improve market conditions for buyers.

Rachel Hughes, Marketing Director at Wienerberger UK & Ireland

Rachel Hughes, Marketing Director at Wienerberger UK and Ireland, articulates the company’s vision for industry growth, outlining key demands from the next Prime Minister to turn this vision into reality.

Will the next government rise to the occasion and ignite a new era in housebuilding?

Current State of UK Housebuilding

A Savills study warns that new home construction in England could plummet to just 160,000 per year without urgent government action. Higher borrowing costs, planning system inefficiencies, and soaring building expenses are to blame. Last year, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reported under 250,000 homes had been built—far short of the Conservative government’s 300,000 target.

Despite ambitious goals from successive governments, the housebuilding sector struggles with economic challenges, stringent regulations, and a skilled labour shortage.

The Conservative government’s recent policies to address local housing needs and promote regeneration have yet to hit the mark, leaving the housing crisis unresolved. The roofing and wider construction industry is crying out for bold decisions and immediate action.

Key Demands from the Housebuilding and Roofing Industry

To address these challenges and pave the way for a brighter future in the UK’s housing sector, I propose a wish list for the incoming government.

I believe this list reflects the shared aspirations of our colleagues in the housebuilding, roofing, construction and building materials industries.

Free up planning restrictions – One of the biggest hurdles for new housing developments is the complex and restrictive planning system. By simplifying and speeding up this process, and giving more powers to local councils, housebuilders can start projects faster, clear the backlog of undeveloped land, and deliver new homes sooner.
Open more land for development – The availability of land is key to meeting housing demand. By unlocking “grey belt” areas—those untapped spaces that are not green belt but still face hurdles – we can create more housing communities without touching our precious green spaces. For example, disused carparks and concrete wastelands on city outskirts offer a lot of potential for redevelopment and fall outside of brown belt allocation.
Streamline regulations – While regulations ensure quality and safety, overly burdensome rules can stifle progress. Striking the right balance in regulation can uphold standards while sparking innovation and boosting efficiency in the industry.
Invest in skills and labour – The roofing and wider construction sector is grappling with a major skills gap, with shortages in both skilled trades and labour. By investing in training programmes and apprenticeships, we can empower the workforce with the skills needed for modern construction practices.
Create better market conditions for buyers – The government has a vital role in creating a buyer-friendly market. By introducing affordable mortgage schemes, offering incentives for first-time buyers, and ensuring stability in the housing market, we can boost demand for new builds and make homeownership a reality for more people.

Addressing Private Sector Needs

For private housebuilders, easing planning restrictions and tackling labour shortages are crucial moves. The current planning system often leads to frustrating delays and higher costs, deterring investment and stalling progress. By opening up more land for development, the industry can swiftly meet market demands and deliver much-needed homes.

The sector faces a classic chicken-and-egg dilemma regarding sustainability: although the initial costs of eco-friendly materials can be steep, the long-term benefits are indisputable.

Government intervention, through subsidies or incentives for using low-carbon, thermally efficient, or power generating materials in constructing homes that meet higher sustainability standards, could be the pivotal change needed to promote greener building practices. Clarity and action on the Future Homes Standard 2025 will help raise the bar for new, sustainable homes.

Public Sector (Social Housing) Needs

It is not just private builders feeling the pinch. Since the 1980s, population growth has outpaced housebuilding rates, affecting the availability of social and affordable housing. To address this imbalance, the next government should empower local authorities with the resources and autonomy needed to increase their housing stock effectively.

Social housing providers face the tough challenge of upgrading ageing properties to meet modern energy efficiency standards. Yet, limited funding and resources create significant hurdles.

The incoming administration must step up, providing financial guidance and support to renovate affordable housing. It is time for commitments to building new social homes to be backed with concrete actions and sufficient funding.

Working Together

Wienerberger UK and Ireland calls on the future government to team up with stakeholders across the housebuilding and construction industry.

By putting the sector’s needs front and centre and creating a stable environment for construction, the next government can tackle the housing shortage and take steps towards everyone having access to energy-efficient, healthy, climate-friendly, and affordable homes.

The General Election is a pivotal moment to ignite this transformative change with bold and decisive action to tackle planning restrictions, land availability, regulatory hurdles, skills shortages, and market conditions.

Implementing these key measures can unlock the potential of Britain’s housing industry, delivering the homes that future generations need and deserve. Wienerberger UK and Ireland stands ready to support and collaborate with the incoming government to create a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive housing market that meets the needs of every community.

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