Future Homes? …Put existing ones first, GGF tells Chancellor
March 2019

The GGF has reacted to Chancellor Philip Hammonds Future Homes Standard plan by calling for more priority on existing houses as well as those still to be built.

The Chancellor in his Spring Statement announced the new standard would be introduced by 2025 so that new build homes are future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency.

GGF group chief executive Kevin Buckley welcomed the initiative but added: “A more relevant and immediate need is for meaningful Government backed energy efficiency incentives for homeowners currently living in existing housing stock.”

On a separate proposal for a Business Energy Efficient Scheme, he added: “We support the Government’s call for evidence and we aim to submit responses on behalf of our Members.”

Hammond also set out a number of new initiatives to further boost UK housing stock, including the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme. Kevin Buckley replied: “The housing crisis remains unresolved but it is positive that substantial investment is now occurring with a clear increase the number of new builds. However, each year, new builds do not account for even 0.5% of the overall UK housing stock. Existing housing stock is the most important area for our Members and homeowners, so I’d like to see the Government put more focus on home improvement, repair and maintenance.”