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UK's 1.5mln homes plan faces major obstacles, industry leaders warn

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Guardian
15 Dec 2024 00:02

Among the challenges are skills shortages, an aging workforce, and Brexit-related impacts, according to industry leaders.

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This photo of Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, shows housing in central London taken from the top of the BT tower. (AP)

Labour’s plan to build 1.5 million homes during this parliament is facing major obstacles, including a severe skills shortage, an aging workforce, and the effects of Brexit, according to David Thomas, CEO of Barratt Redrow, the UK's largest housebuilding firm, as cited in a report by The Guardian.

When asked whether there were enough workers to meet the target that had been formerly promised by UK Prime Minister Keir Streimer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Thomas responded, "The short answer is no," stressing that the government would need to "revolutionize the market, revolutionize planning, revolutionize methods of production" to make the goal achievable.

Thomas further proclaimed that it is time the UK acknowledges that "this is a national crisis."

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) supported these concerns, pointing out a lack of skilled workers due to the poor perception of the industry, insufficient apprenticeships, and an aging workforce, with a quarter of tradespeople aged over 50.

As cited by The Guardian's report, the government’s plan includes enabling development on lower-quality green-belt land and prioritizing brownfield sites. Councils will be required to reassess green-belt boundaries and identify areas suitable for development.

Labour’s proposal also includes decisions on 150 major infrastructure projects. PM Starmer emphasized that "a human being wanting to have a house" must be the priority, despite concerns over green-belt encroachment. The government has committed an additional £100 million and 300 planning officers to accelerate the decision-making process.

Over 1.7mln UK homes won't turn on heating this winter

This comes as UK citizens face more complexities. Even those who have homes do not feel sheltered from the cold.

A report earlier in November revealed that more than 1.7 million families in the United Kingdom plan to turn off their heaters this winter, up significantly from the 972,000 who said they did so last year, data conducted by comparison website Uswitch revealed.

The study indicates that 55% of households mentioned increased living expenses as the reason they would avoid heating their houses, while a quarter of seniors cited the loss of winter fuel subsidies, even though it might pose a health risk.

Queries for hot water bottles on the Argos website have surged by 257% year on year, while demand for heated blankets has risen by 224% as consumers prepare for nights at home.

According to Elise Melville, an energy expert at Uswitch.com, "Cold weather can be challenging for households struggling with their energy bills, but spending winter in a cold home can be a health risk, and households should keep the temperature at safe levels."

Johanna Lueders, director of heating solutions shop Snugel, stated that heated clothing might be a "huge cost saver," telling The Guardian that some customers save £100 per month on winter heating bills.

One retired woman by the name of Janette explained how she had gas fire put in her home rather than electric heating and uses a "little space heater" when her daughter visits weekly.