Mixed signals for SMEs, but positive intentions: the HBA’s take on the Lib Dems’ manifesto
Rico Wojtulewicz (HBA Policy Advisor) commented on the housing commitments within the Liberal Democrat manifesto, saying:
“The Liberal Democrat manifesto is the most detailed one, but the HBA spotted some warning signs for SME house builders. Despite a clear emphasis on more housing, pledging to build 300,000 homes a year by 2020, other provisions are cause for reflection. One such example is the proposed removal of exemptions for zero carbon homes, a crucial policy that has helped SMEs to operate alongside larger house builders.
The HBA welcomes the strong recognition of funding need, addressed by proposing a Housing Investment Bank, and the push to build more on brownfield land and town centres. Unfortunately, this manifesto sends mixed messages to SME house builders by promising greater support, through a one-stop-shop government access scheme, and simultaneously emphasising large-scale development projects. Focusing on the construction of ten garden cities and a continual reassessment of energy efficiency tends to favour large house builders rather than SMEs.
The HBA is certainly not implying that Liberal Democrats left SMEs out of the equation. On the contrary, their manifesto pledges support to smaller community development by endorsing a self-build plot register; encouraging garden villages; and giving local authorities more power to borrow and build, a helpful tool in local communities within existing infrastructure.
Even though Liberal Democrats are unlikely to emulate the consensus reached five years ago at the polling station, the HBA believes that they genuinely listened to the construction industry while in government. Despite some of their pledged policies may stifle SME house builders, the Liberal Democrats have the willingness to support a housing policy that works for all and gets Britain building.”
