Association Responds to Callcutt: Regulatory Framework is Crucial if Additional Housing is to be Delivered

26 November 2007

The Construction Products Association today welcomed the findings of the Callcutt Review which was published last week, but reasserted that the early establishment of a clear framework for regulatory change is crucial if the increased volume of housing, which the government has committed to, is to be delivered. 

The Association supports Callcutt’s view that housing can be delivered.  However, it has again called for the establishment of a clear framework for regulatory change at an early stage in the process.  This is essential in ensuring that manufacturers and suppliers know where to make their investments in order to supply the products and solutions which are needed.  As such the Association welcomes Callcutt’s reassertion that finalising the methodology by the end of 2008, and keeping SAP stable for 10 years, is vital.  The Association is already working with industry on finalising the scope of improvements to SAP, and will be reporting to the 2016 Task Force shortly.

Commenting on the review, John Tebbit, Industry Affairs Director at the Association said: "We welcome Callcutt’s recognition that a more integrated approach is necessary to deliver the higher volumes of housing to zero carbon standards and to a design quality that will provide greater customer satisfaction. However, integration must extend throughout the supply chain or these important objectives will not be achieved.

“As Callcutt says, we are moving from being behind the pack to being a world leader in the delivery of zero carbon housing, and from the outset we have advocated the need for an effective management of the project. We are therefore very pleased to see that this has been recognized by Callcutt in his call for a delivery body.  We would urge an early decision on the best way to take this forward.”

Whilst supportive, the Association remains concerned about the level of resources which the delivery body will have and how it will be funded.  Without thousands of prototype and pre-production homes being built in the next few years, the chances of delivering zero carbon homes in the volumes, quality and costs needed, will be severely reduced.  As Callcutt concurs the housebuilding industry is answerable only to its investors and shareholders, not to the public interest.  The Association therefore believes that it is essential that a framework of incentives and opportunities be put in place to ensure that the triple goal of increased numbers, increased quality and increased energy performance is reached.