Conservative Party proposals to scrap the Future Homes Standard as part of a package of measures to cut home-building costs got a cool reception from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Kicking off the party conference yesterday, Conservative shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith claimed his party could shave £50,000 off the cost of building a home in England and Wales by scrapping regulations.
On the chopping block would be the Future Homes Standard, according to reports. It requires new homes in England to meet higher energy-efficiency standards, generate renewable power on site, and use low-carbon heating such as heat pumps.
Also targeted is the Community Infrastructure Levy, a charge on some new developments in England and Wales intended to raise money for councils to fund infrastructure like roads, schools and play areas.
The Tories also want to axe Section 106 agreements that require developers to include social or affordable housing in their developments in England.
Neither CIOB nor FMB endorsed the plan to scrap the Future Homes Standard.
‘Review, don’t scrap’
CIOB chief executive Dr Victoria Hills said: “We have long called for stability, consistency and pragmatism when it comes to regulation, as the construction sector cannot function effectively when the rules it’s governed by are constantly changing.
“Before cutting existing regulation such as the Future Homes Standard, or any regulators, government should undertake a full review focusing on areas where changes would bring about the most benefit to society and the economy.
“Such a review should also include views from industry experts who can provide valuable insight into how any proposed regulation changes may, or may not, impact work to build new homes and infrastructure.”
FMB chief executive Brian Berry sympathised with smaller builders but said climate-resilient homes were still needed.
“The Future Homes Standard does need to work better for smaller housebuilders without becoming overly complex,” he said.
“However, if a future Conservative government revisits the standard, it must not give up on the ambition to build warmer, greener and more energy-efficient homes. The shadow chancellor should work with small builders to develop a practical approach based on good design and clear outcomes, giving firms the confidence to invest in the skills and methods needed to deliver it.”
Risk of weakening standards
Berry continued: “Cutting poorly developed regulation could help get Britain building, but deregulation must be proportionate as effective laws lead to improvements.
“Essential environmental protections and sensible solutions to improve homes cannot simply be swept away. A consequence may be fewer homes developed as opposition rises if provisions to keep local communities safe are scrapped.
“Previous ‘bonfires’ of regulation have shown that removing rules without a workable replacement can create uncertainty and risk weakening the standards that keep buildings safe. The test for any future government must be whether reform helps responsible local builders deliver more high-quality homes, not simply how many rules or bodies it abolishes.”
