<p>New research launched on March 24 reveals the full extent of the contribution the housebuilding industry makes to the UK’s economy and its communities.<br>The research, unveiled the HBF Policy Conference, finds that the industry is worth £19.2 billion per year to the UK economy, is responsible for the employment of more than 600,000 workers and generates £1.4 billion in tax revenues<br>The industry also provides additional community benefits, paying £576 million towards community facilities including £225 million for education and £131 million in open spaces and community and sports facilities.<br>The report also says that the industry provides 32,000 affordable homes – valued at £2.3 billion – built or financed by private housebuilding with a further £1 billion paid to local authorities as a contribution to more affordable housing.<br>The industry also plants an estimated 6.5 million trees and shrubs and recycles around 80% of its waste.<br>The report shows that if another 100,000 homes a year were built it would create 430,000 extra jobs, generate a further £11.9 billion in economic output and raise more than £1 billion in additional tax revenue.<br>Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of HBF, said: “Housebuilding makes a huge, largely hidden social and economic contribution to the UK. As well …