BWF pushes Chancellor for long term solutions to housing shortfall, skills gaps and sustainable construction

– With the rate of growth slowing over the last three quarters and order books stretching out shorter, BWF recommends that the Government look at ways of removing manufacturing plant and machinery from business rate assessments and keeps pressure on the banks.

– Whilst there has been much talk of tackling the housing crisis from all of the main political parties, as yet there is little behind these announcements to support the build levels necessary to tackle the housing shortfall.

– A renewed focus on incentives for custom and self-build, releasing sites from local authority and encouraging greater investment from social and affordable housing providers will help to meet the shortfall. Direct public sector investment should also be a bigger part of the mix.

– The Wood Trades will need a net increase in labour of 4,260 every year for the next four according to CITB figures. Historically this shortfall would yield growth in apprenticeships, but planned changes to the process and new funding models through PAYE tax system or apprenticeship credit systems are likely to cause uncertainty and hassle.

– Companies in our sector already invest significant time and resources in apprentices, imparting skills, knowledge and training within the company. Demanding more upfront monetary contribution from employers risks steering money away from investment.