RICS: More homes and faster grid connections must turn housing promises into delivery

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has welcomed Labour’s focus on housing and regeneration in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Labour conference speech, whilst urging ministers to back announcements with a clear plan for delivery in the Autumn Budget.

Proposals to support first-time buyers, bring empty homes back into use, and protect social housing could improve access to safe and affordable homes. However, support for buyers must be matched by increased supply to avoid fuelling house price inflation. RICS adds that this support should extend outside of the New Build sector to maximise support for first time buyers.

The anticipated creation of Great British Grid also presents an opportunity to tackle delays holding back development. RICS supports faster connections for new homes, with grid investment coordinated with local housing plans.

Councils need the resources and professional expertise to return empty properties to safe use and deliver stronger social housing protections. The government’s £210 million high streets package should also support viable refurbishment that brings vacant buildings back into productive use.

Justin Young, Chief Executive of RICS, said:

“It is encouraging to see so much focus on the built environment and housing in the Prime Minister’s conference speech at a crucial time for the sector. Helping buyers overcome the deposit barrier is welcome, but this must be matched with more available housing so that prices are not pushed further out of reach. The Government demonstrated that it understands this by announcing policies to bring empty homes back into use, alongside sustained investment in new social and affordable housing.

“GB Grid could help unlock stalled development if it delivers the capacity and connections housing needs. Across these measures, properly resourced planning teams and a skilled workforce are essential to turn ambition into homes. The commitment to £100 million for a Local Apprenticeship Service as well as the reestablishment of the Union Learning Fund should assist skills growth in surveying and construction skills, as well as introduce more professionals to AI and other emerging technologies.

“RICS is assisting the UK Government on these important matters, and we look towards the Autumn Budget to set out clear funding commitments and time scales for these policies.”