NHBC Response to Pre-Budget Report 06/12/06
NHBC, the UK's leading standard setting and home warranty provider for new homes, today welcomed the Chancellor's ambition for all new homes to be carbon neutral within ten years but cautioned that the industry will face many challenges if it is to get there.
NHBC, the UK's leading standard setting and home warranty provider for new homes, today welcomed the Chancellor's ambition for all new homes to be carbon neutral within ten years but cautioned that the industry will face many challenges if it is to get there.
NHBC Chief Executive, Imtiaz Farookhi, said: "The Chancellor's decision to promote carbon neutral homes through the potential exemption from Stamp Duty is a bold move and the challenge will be to ensure that any changes in construction technology and materials arising are carefully managed to ensure high standards and consumer protection. Ultimately any changes in these areas, whilst meeting policy objectives, must be for the benefit of the individual house purchaser.
"NHBC has worked with the industry for the last 70 years to raise standards for new homebuyers and has continually improved its Standards, with which all its Registered Builders are required to comply, to ensure that when new systems are introduced they are subject to the necessary rigour and testing in the interests of the consumer. NHBC has also recently launched a review of renewable energy sources to address the "information gap" on this issue and deliver comprehensive, practical guidance for the industry.
"NHBC's independent research institution - the NHBC Foundation - has already begun providing practical and pragmatic research and guidance for the industry, most recently on Modern Methods of Construction. Our new partnership with the BRE - the National Centre for Excellence in Housing, to be established later this month - will also be central to helping the industry, providing tangible solutions to challenges now and in the future."
ENDS
Notes to Editors: NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. It was established 70 years ago as a non-profit distributing company. NHBC's primary purpose is to help raise standards in the new house-building industry and provide consumer protection for new house buyers.
NHBC's ten-year 'Buildmark' warranty covers more than 80 % of homes built in the UK and has protected more than 6 million homes to date.
NHBC helps raise standards by:
- registering builders who agree to comply with NHBC's Rules and Standards
- setting and maintaining construction standards for new homes
- inspecting at key stages of construction
- providing 'Buildmark,' the most comprehensive warranty and insurance cover for homes in the UK
- offering building control services in England and Wales
- providing a range of services, including technical information, training, health and safety, engineering and energy rating services for new homes and housing-related sectors
The NHBC Foundation was set up in January 2006 to provide practical research and assistance to the industry. It is Chaired by former Housing Minister Rt. Hon. Nick Raynsford MP. The Foundation has already carried out research and developed guidance on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and is shortly to release the findings of its research on Energy, Waste and Water Management and produce a Guide to Lenders for improving risk management on MMC projects. The Foundation also examines areas of public policy relevant to the house-building industry, government and other stakeholders.
The National Centre for Excellence in Housing is a joint venture between the NHBC and BRE and will be launched on the 12th December 2006. It will provide a platform to bring together stakeholders from across the industry to discuss and develop policy solutions for the broader issues in house-building.
