George Osborne’s 2013 Budget announcement was received with some disappointment by many within the construction industry. The UK Green Building Council has criticised the Chancellor’s Budget report and statement to the house for failing to pledge support for the Green Deal, whilst the UK Contractors’ Group has voiced concerns over the lack of new initiatives to promote growth in the construction industry.
The Chancellor did reaffirm the Government’s target of Zero Carbon housing for all new builds by 2016, although the approach for this is now in doubt given the proposed changes announced for the 2013 Building Regulations.
The domestic Green Deal is now gathering pace. Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said, “We’re seeing clear signs of a promising new market gathering momentum. “In little more than a month, there have been 1,803 Green Deal assessments and that shows genuine interest from consumers.” For the Green Deal to reach its full potential these assessments must now see works implemented to provide energy and cost savings for homeowners.
Further criticism was received for the lack of any update on delivery of Government and infrastructure projects, including 565 road, rail and construction schemes announced in 2010 which have yet to break ground. Whilst a review of Whitehall’s capacity to deliver projects was promised, there are concerns that this will do little to improve matters for those working in this sector.