They said that the industry is on target to deliver the million homes that the government challenged it to – there were 217,000 net additions in the year to April 2017, the third highest number since the early 1970s and up 74% in the past four years. But housebuilders will highlight the risk of negative rhetoric about new housing supply which they say “provides cover for NIMBYs and energises anti-housebuilder campaigners” while damaging attempts to address the skills shortage.
Customer satisfaction scores released today will also show that build quality is improving at the same time that output increases, including a 2% increase (86%) in the key “Would you recommend your builder to a friend?” question.
Stewart Baseley, HBF executive chairman, told ministers: “Government has quite rightly recognised the social and political need for them to address the chronic housing shortage we face. Housebuilders have risen to the challenge and delivered huge increases in supply, whilst providing increasing contributions to local infrastructure, amenities and affordable housing.
At the same time the industry has invested hugely in training, recruitment and land to ensure it is geared up to deliver government promises. The industry has also reacted decisively to reverse the slight, but unacceptable falls in customer service and quality, something that takes commitment from board level down.
The constant criticism of the industry often fails to recognise the huge progress being made. Negative perceptions also make further increases in supply more difficult by encouraging and providing excuses for the anti-development lobby and local authorities who don’t want to build. It also makes attracting the brightest and best your people more difficult. Housebuilders across the country face huge challenges getting sites agreed and recruiting skilled workers, issues made more difficult by negative perceptions of the industry.
The big increases in supply we have seen in recent years are on the back of successful policy introductions and private sector investment. We are calling on government to continue to work with the industry constructively to deliver further mutually beneficial goals.”
