In response to the Chancellor’s Statement, NFRC Chief Executive Officer James Talman said:

‘We are pleased to see the Chancellor commit further funding to improving the energy efficiency of the UK building stock from 2025. NFRC and the rest of the construction industry have been calling for additional commitments in this area: improving the energy efficiency of homes and commercial and industrial buildings is a logical step as we seek to lower energy bills and cut carbon emissions. NFRC Members stand ready to deliver on these ambitions.

‘In order to support contractors to deliver a successful ongoing programme of retrofit, we encourage the government to continue to invest in and improve incentives for owners with limited financial resource to retrofit buildings. Government must also set aside funds to train operatives in the necessary green skills, to ensure that roofing contractors have access to the people they need to carry out this important work. Currently, skills shortages present major challenges for many construction businesses when they wish to expand.

‘Consequently, the Chancellor is right to highlight the importance of skills reform and ensuring that young people leave school ready for the working world. We look forward to further details about plans to invest in and improve skills offerings, and ask that the government works with industry to develop more for young people that prepares them to enter the construction workforce. This includes showing them the diverse range of opportunities available. This is key as government commits to funding building work that will require a larger ‘green skilled’ workforce.’