MPs from the Small and Micro Business All Party Parliamentary Group has called on the Government to address a number of factors that are holding back small housebuilders.
To help increase the number of homes they build a dedicated strategy for small housebuilders is required, according to a cross-party group of MPs.
Amongst other things, the report calls for action on jobs, payment practices and the availability of smaller sites. It also recognises that the barriers for smaller companies are different from those of larger business in the industry.
Robert Courts MP, Chair of the APPG, said: “Government action has started to address some of the needs of small builders but we must leave no stone unturned to truly unlock the housing market. A new, dedicated strategy for small housebuilders would be an important step in achieving this.”
The inquiry into the issue was supported by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
Mike Cherry, National Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “Small housebuilders will welcome the cross-party effort to shine a light on the very real challenges that are holding them back from playing their part in building the homes the UK needs. It is vital that the Government does not turn a blind eye to the findings of this report and commits to creating a dedicated strategy aimed at giving small homebuilders the finance, skills and support they need to help fix the broken housing market.”
Commenting on the findings of the report NHBC Chief Operating Officer Neil Jefferson said: “NHBC welcomes the APPG’s work into support for small housebuilders to address the unique challenges they face.
“We are particularly pleased the APPG has recognised many of the important findings from the NHBC’s Foundation’s report: Small house builders and developers: current challenges to growth. Our research found that delays and rising costs in the planning system, land availability and access to finance were all barriers to small housebuilders.
“The doubling of Housing Growth Partnership funding in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement this month is a welcome move in helping to support small housebuilders to deliver the high quality new homes the country needs.”
The full report is available here.
