CIOB responds to the 2024 Spring Budget announcement
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has today reacted to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt MP’s Spring Budget announcement.
Eddie Tuttle, Director of Policy, External Affairs and Research at CIOB, said: “The Chancellor’s budget speech lacked long-term focus on issues like housing supply and CIOB is hoping the next budget, regardless of who is in power, will seize the opportunity to drastically improve the skills landscape for the construction sector – which is crucial for the success of levelling up and reaching our national housing targets.
“We’re pleased the Government is extending access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses – which make up much of the construction industry - through the Recovery Loan Scheme.
“It also is pleasing there is an intention to build more homes; however the Government must give serious consideration to one of our key focuses – ensuring all homes built are of the highest quality and are future-proofed to reduce the need for retrofitting down the line.
“We have made it clear that a national retrofit strategy is essential to driving down emissions from operating and using buildings, which currently accounts for 19 per cent of the UK’s carbon footprint.
“The Government also needs to urgently review its unfit-for-purpose apprenticeship system, which regrettably was not mentioned in today’s budget.
“For the construction sector, many businesses feel unable to offer apprenticeships due to an ongoing struggle to retain staff, with many leaving to work elsewhere once qualified.
“A wholesale review of both the system and its funding is needed to make sure training is affordable and incentivised for construction businesses to deliver the number of qualified professionals needed by both the sector and wider economy.”
This article appears on the CIOB news and blog site as "CIOB responds to Chancellor's Spring Budget announcement" dated March 6, 2023.
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 2023 Autumn Statement in brief with reactions.
- Chancellor's 2022 Autumn statement industry response.
- CIOB articles.
- CIOB at the party conferences 2022.
- CIOB comments on the Chancellor's Autumn Budget.
- Government publishes UK infrastructure strategy.
- Industry responds as Rishi Sunak becomes new PM.
- No net zero without skilled workforce.
- The autumn statement: What is it and does it effect construction ?
Featured articles and news
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
The story of this knowledge quarter building.
In ecology, in hydrology, in biology and in architecture.
Creating environments that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
UK cases of neutral current diversion
Research project looks for example contributions.
Overstocking and macro-economics cause a decline.
The 2024 update of the Common Assessment Standard
Demonstrating organisational capability’ to fulfil roles under the Building Safety Act.
56 recommendations for a better built environment
Published by the CIC ahead of the King’s Speech.
SkillELECTRIC Top 8 Competitors Named
in annual search for the UK’s best student electrician.
CIOB Diversity and Inclusion technical information sheet
Step-by-step guide on implementing D and I practices.
Conservation and the Indian City. Book review.
Reversibility in conservation ethics
Learning from painting conservation.
Where It's AT Podcast launched!
New CIAT Architectural Technology Podcast goes live.