The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced the Government spending and tax review for 2021 earlier this month. This important document provides key insights into what the UK Government plans to prioritise in terms of funding and how high housing sits on the agenda. The budget focused on supporting Covid-19 recovery, however there are some positive plans for the sector, including a guarantee on 95% mortgages for buyers and a £1bn fund to promote regeneration in 45 English towns. Our colleagues at ARK Consultancy have summarised the key findings here
What stood out in particular for CHIC was the announcement of a £10m taskforce to drive the adoption of offsite housebuilding. It will “consist of world-leading experts from across government and industry”, designed to “fast-track” the adoption of modern methods of construction.
The taskforce will be based in the MHCLG office in Wolverhampton and will work closely with local authorities and metro mayors, including the West Midlands Combined Authority.
CHIC has already established MMC contracts, in support of the 25 per cent commitment to MMC in the £11.5bn Affordable Homes Programme announced last year. The dedicated MMC taskforce demonstrates the commitment of the UK Government to making a real change within the sector. CHIC is fully committed to the offsite agenda and the Government’s support is a great step in the right direction.
Now is the time to change the way we deliver newbuild homes, embracing offsite construction and striving for zero carbon. CHIC has been a promoter of MMC for a number of years and has adapted its services to meet new market requirements.
CHIC’s BuildSmart solutions offer long term contracts with key MMC partners which can offer not only offsite manufacture but also a full turnkey service. Our effective and dynamic route to market allows you to adapt your development programmes, supported by a dedicated member services team leader who will work with you to understand your specific needs.
Sarah Davey, Head of Development at BuildSmart commented “This recent announcement by the Government is welcomed by BuildSmart and our MMC partners. CHIC offers an effective and dynamic route to market to assist in achieving the set Government targets. We aim to assure our members that MMC is a positive step forward and the future of housebuilding”
If you would like to find out more, please get in touch at sdavey@chicltd.co.uk
