Industry reacts to general election call

The housebuilding industry been reacting to the news that the general election will be held on July 4, as announced by prime minister Rushi Sunak yesterday (May 22).

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, welcomed the certainty of an election date and said HBF would be “ready to work with ministers of whichever party immediately after the election to help reverse declining housebuilding numbers”.

Baseley also commented: “We face significant barriers to housing delivery that require a positive approach to policy and regulation. Faced with the prospect of our longstanding housing crisis becoming a housing emergency, it’s never been more important for government to engage positively with the industry and its supply chain.”

Adam Lawrence, ceo of London Square, also welcomed the clarity the news gave. “We have been in limbo for so long. It will be good for the housing sector and business generally. We need a new government now with a clear mandate to drive the UK forward."

The housing crisis would be “front and centre” of the election campaigns, stated David Thomas, Barratt Developments’ ceo. “We look forward to seeing positive policies from all parties aimed at increasing housebuilding, …