Next week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer will announce his hotly anticipated 2021 Spring Budget statement. Against the backdrop of falling Covid numbers but increasingly challenging import/export shenanigans, a persistent housing crisis, tough climate agenda and expensive Furlough Scheme, he’ll be expected to announce some form of panacea.

They say the cure is often worse than the disease. From media speculation, plenty of stick is anticipated, but many will hope for some carrots (even if these are more likely to be of Chantenay than Imperator variety).

Housebuilding has demonstrated a certain degree of resilience over the last year. As Government looks to deliver that essential shot of stimulus to the economy, it’s an opportunity for the sector to play a central role.

So, while the cards remain close to Rishi’s chest, we ask various voices from across the industry where they’d like to see greater investment or policy action.

“The housing crisis needs urgent attention. Dragging on for decades, this government has an opportunity to tackle a problem which has puzzled governments and blighted society for so long. Previous administrations have been at risk of placing style above substance, allocating funding to building methods which, whilst innovative, are either inappropriate to deal with the current problems or at a developmental stage. We need the Chancellor to allocate more funding to a richer and broader construction mix, new fads are all very well but it’s important not to lose sight of time-honoured, traditional methods which deliver long term value and quality.” – Chris Stanley, Housing Manager, Modern Masonry.

“The pandemic has highlighted the appetite and need for greater digitisation in the construction sector. With that in mind, next month’s budget should provide further support to the sector, which has already proven its role in turbocharging Britain’s economic recovery.

“We’d like to see Rishi Sunak fund an industry education programme in partnership with professional bodies that can provide different industry professionals from businesses of all sizes with greater digital literacy. By doing so, we can shorten the digital skills gap that remains so prevalent within the industry and improve the overall efficiency of work and quality of final builds.

“Unlocking the power of digital construction technology universally will make this process easier and deliver positive results faster.” – Ibrahim Imam, Co-founder & Co-CEO of PlanRadar.

“With the Future Homes Standard Consultation, and changes to Part F and Part L, coming into effect at the end of the year, we’d like to see more investment put forward for passive design solutions. Whilst this will be important for decarbonising new build housing, it will be even more crucial for the retrofitting of existing structures and the repurposing of currently derelict ones. This latter type of project presents a huge opportunity to rejuvenate our urban spaces, encouraging densification and protecting our green spaces. It would be encouraging to see the Chancellor set some money aside to fund a programme to transform many of the UK’s formerly carbon intensive industrial districts into world-leading example of green living spaces.” – Steve McSorley, Director, Perega.

“Cash flow is an important issue for any business be it large or small but given the challenges of the past year, the reverse VAT changes will no doubt bring additional pressure to smaller businesses who have less money in the bank. We’d like to see these regulations relaxed in this year’s budget so that businesses can focus on what matters most, generating income without the stress of cash flow issues to contend with.” – Ben Hancock, Managing Director, Oscar Acoustics.

As you can see, a mixed bag of views, but with some strong themes apparent, particularly around sustainability, technology and the urgent need to get building the homes and cities of the future.

Whatever Mr. Sunak announces, no doubt our handful of industry experts will have a view whether it be praise or criticism. One thing’s for sure, they won’t be short of an opinion and we look forward to catching up with them in the aftermath. Tune in next week, to get their reactions.