Coalition Government should prioritise housing as the Construction Industry is vital to the UK Economy

Created on 24.05.2010

Leading architectural practice, PRP, hope the newly formed coalition Government will lead to a balanced approach to the housing agenda across the UK, as the construction industry is vital to the UK economy.

In particular PRP urges the Government to consider the following:

The construction industry is one of the key drivers for employment (currently 8% of the UK workforce)*
For every 250,000 homes which are needed only 100,000 homes are currently being supplied

PRP believes that the immediate implementation of deep cuts and a radical overhaul of the planning system with 'localism' at its heart, as originally proposed by the Conservatives would threaten the fragile economy and the housing industry in general.

Andy von Bradsky, PRP's Chairman comments: "David Cameron stood on the steps of Number 10 yesterday and stressed the importance of community and we hope this translates into building more affordable housing, of which we are in dire need. In particular it's crucial not to cut the National Affordable Housing Programme and to ensure there is a continuity of funding for existing projects. The construction industry is vital to the UK economy and the industry needs a degree of certainty.

"We hope this new coalition will build on what has been achieved by Labour, in particular the HCA's influence in stimulating housing supply and CABE's work in raising the quality of our built environment.

"This is a time for consensus politics from the centre ground with more collaboration and seeking the advice of experts. It requires our policy makers to seek a partnership approach in difficult times, reflecting a balance between private and public sector interests upon which the foundation of the recovery will inevitably have to be based.

"One area for encouragement is the common ground all parties now share on delivering a low carbon economy just when pressure is being applied to lower expectations - perhaps they should involve the Green Party's Caroline Lucas!"

Notes to editors:
*Statistic taken from UKCG report, Construction in the UK Economy, October 2009.

PRP's Chairman, Andy von Bradsky is happy to comment further on the election and the issues affecting the industry. For further comment please contact Katie White, Head of Communications on 020 8339 3600 or email: katie.white@prparchitects.co.uk