Ex-Mace director appointed chair of construction parliamentary group

The cross-party group he chairs has launched an inquiry – titled How can we build 1.5 million quality homes in this Parliament? – to examine the government’s housebuilding target.

The inquiry will gather insights from industry experts and the public on how to meet the ambitious housebuilding numbers without compromising quality, safety and design.

Recent figures suggest that more than 300,000 additional homes a year will be needed if Labour wants to hit its target by 2029.

Reader said: “Government has set out a hugely ambitious homebuilding programme and is backing this up with the biggest funding support in a generation. It is absolutely vital that this is spent in a way that can help provide a lasting legacy for communities with homes of the highest quality, and that we avoid problems of the past.”

The APPGEBE is supported by the Construction Industry Council (CIC), which in April launched a call for evidence to inform the parliamentary group’s inquiry.

Graham Watts, CIC's chief executive, said: “There is a great deal riding on the government and the industry to deliver on its promises. CIC is absolutely delighted to be supporting the APPGEBE and contributing to this hugely important topic.”

The inquiry began taking oral evidence on 14 July and will continue holding sessions until 21 July. The APPGEBE expects to publish a report with its findings in the autumn.