Housebuilding halts as materials run short

A shortage of construction materials is holding up housebuilding, according to the National Federation of Builders. The group has called for action from the government to support developers running into delays. It has requested direction from the government, telling councils they should be flexible on materials changes on projects, for example specific brick types, and not serve completion notices when schemes are delayed. The NFB said different groups have been affected by different materials – with housebuilders and SMEs typically in need of cement, bricks and tiles, and high-rise developers seeking steel and concrete, which have seen steep price rises and supply constraints. Longer term, investment in British material producers will be vital, it added. The government should identify which imported materials the country is over reliant on, such as timber, and support industries working to overcome that, for example those investing in cross-laminated timber. Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “The government cannot magic up building materials, but they can ensure the impact isn’t as great.” Beresford added that keeping an eye on importation challenges and continuing to work on HGV driver solutions would further ease the challenges. Rico Wojtulewicz, head of housing at the House Builders Association, the housebuilding division of the NFB, added: “The government is at a crossroads. Due to reduced productivity, Covid has made the broken planning system even more inefficient and material shortages will put the final nail in coffin for some SMEs.” He said that board members supported the recommendations “because they are not only worried for their own businesses but the sector as a whole”. Wojtulewicz added: “Housebuilders worked throughout lockdown and did not shirk their responsibility to solve the housing crisis, but we need more help from the government, otherwise SMEs will pay the ultimate price.” To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@eg.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @EGPropertyNews Photo by Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock