Close to two-thirds of British residents are not confident that the new Government can meet its homebuilding targets over the next five years, according to new data from MyBuilder.com.
The survey found that 57% of people doubt that the Government will achieve its housing goals. Among those aged over 55, confidence drops further, with 72% expressing scepticism.
Geographically, Bristol showed the least confidence, with 70% believing the targets would not be met, while London was more optimistic, with only 48% doubting the goals.
Confidence levels in other regions included:
- Southampton: 68%
- Nottingham: 67%
- Brighton: 65%
- Birmingham: 63%
- Norwich: 61%
- Manchester: 59%
- Wales: 57%
- Scotland: 57%
- Liverpool: 56%
- Leeds: 55%
- Newcastle: 55%
Professionals from MyBuilder.com highlighted that the current skills shortage in construction could hinder meeting these targets. Government policy on housebuilding has been inconsistent over the past 15 years, with 16 housing ministers since 2010.
Despite repeated pledges, no targets have been met in the last 20 years. The housing shortage continues to grow, with an estimated shortfall of over four million homes across Britain.
The new Government aims to build 1.5 million houses by 2029. While this target is ambitious, experts at MyBuilder.com are concerned about its realism due to the skills shortage in the building industry.
The UK Trade Skills Index (2023) shows a significant deficit in skilled tradespeople, predicting the need for nearly a million new apprentices in the next decade. The index also noted a rise in skills shortages across construction, from 29% in Q1 2021 to 55% in Q4 2021, particularly among plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters, and electricians.
Andy Simms from MyBuilder.com said the Government must encourage young people to enter trades to address the skills shortages. “The Government must work with the education system to promote the trades as a career path, or we will be facing bigger shortages than ever at a time when housebuilding needs to be a priority for the British people.”
