Budget fails on Housing and Climate change says Timber Industry Accord

David Hopkins, Executive Director of Wood for Good, on behalf of the Timber Industry Accord said: “There were many positive points in a budget aimed at general economic growth. However, it was disappointing that the budget failed to address two of the key areas affecting our long term economic, social and environmental health: housing and climate change.

“This Budget speech referenced growth 14 times, but carbon not at all – it has done little to help grow the low carbon economy and little to meet real housing demand.

“Initiatives like the new home ISA and housing zones will provide some assistance in the building market and new projects like Swansea Bay will in time help to decarbonise the grid. But, direct investment now in new low-carbon housing schemes made from truly renewable materials would act as a great economic multiplier, create a legion of skilled jobs and reduce carbon emissions here and now while also reducing energy demand for the future.

“The UK timber industry is a growing vital, low-carbon manufacturing supply chain that is already helping provide the low-carbon homes and jobs of the future. It has the capacity to meet increased demand. The Budget should be an opportunity to create that demand. It was an opportunity missed.”

For more information on how industry and government can work together see our report Growing the Low Carbon Economy: https://woodforgood.com/assets/Downloads/Growing%20Our%20Low-Carbon%20Economy.pdf

ENDS