Ahead of the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 26 November, Build UK as part of the CLC has followed up on recent meetings with the Treasury by setting out in a letter to the Chancellor a number of targeted interventions to support construction and unlock investment, enabling the industry to deliver the homes and infrastructure the economy needs.
These interventions include progressing the digitalisation of Government systems, such as those for planning and Building Control Approval; continuing to improve payment performance throughout the supply chain; and reviewing the impact that the increasing tax burden is having on construction activity. It has been highlighted to the Treasury that the proposals to reform Landfill Tax will significantly increase the cost of new homes and infrastructure and result in UK quarries that provide materials and undertake extensive nature restoration becoming unviable. The new Building Safety Levy, which will be implemented from 1 October 2026, will also add more cost to companies already paying for the remediation of housing, further increasing the cost of new homes.
The industry is keen to work with the Chancellor and newly appointed Construction Minister, Chris McDonald, to drive growth and offer employment opportunities across the UK; however, businesses have limited capacity to absorb further cost increases.The industry is keen to work with the Chancellor and newly appointed Construction Minister, Chris McDonald, to drive growth and offer employment opportunities across the UK; however, businesses have limited capacity to absorb further cost increases.
