NEWS
REPORT CALLS FOR ‘LIGHTER TOUCH’ FOR SELF-BUILD
The Institute of Economic Affairs recently published a report on solving the housing crisis – ‘Raising the Roof’ – which included a call for a “lighter touch” when it comes to planning for self-build homes. The report, compiled by Jacob Rees- Mogg and Dr Radomir Tylecote, highlights the issues with the UK housing market and the drivers behind these issues. It identifies planning and its tendency to favour large-scale builders as a significant factor, among other things. The report goes on to make several
recommendations, including doing more to boost self-build. This includes the introduction of Build It Yourself (BIY), which would see urban local authorities allow a “light touch notification” that would allow self-build planning permissions to be fast-tracked. It would also see the introduction of optional “style guides” for streets or given areas. Writing on the National Federation of Builders website, senior policy advisor for the House Builders Association Rico Wojtulewicz said: “BIY is absolutely necessary, because councils have barely delivered any homes through their self- build registers and certainly not in England’s most expensive regions. This policy should favour those who truly need housing, not just those who can afford land or the build risk.”
NEW RIGHT TO BUILD REGISTER GOES LIVE
Help self-builders avoid overpaying VAT
The National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA) is conducting a value added tax (VAT) survey to obtain a detailed look at the number of people self- building in the UK.
Compiling data on the number
of VAT exemptions along with other statistics, such as information on the number of single dwellings created per year, it gives the association an estimate of the number of self-builders in the country. NaCSBA uses this data to inform its work campaigning for change and lobbying government’s in the UK to create more opportunities in the sector, both for businesses and would-be self-builders. From 2019 it will be easier to calculate the size of the sector as the 1APP planning form now includes a question to help gather this kind of data. NaCSBA is looking for people to help compile the data for previous years. The association is asking anyone who has self-built, custom-built, commissioned a new home or converted a building into a home to take the time to complete the survey, which comprises nine questions. Responses are anonymous and will “make a huge difference to the work we do as an organisation, helping us to make custom- and self-build more of a mainstream choice for more people,” NaCSBA says. Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, NaCSBA CEO commented: “This VAT survey
is critical, as knowing the size of the sector empowers us when having high- level discussions with government and industry about the needs of the market and its potential. We’re actively working to create more opportunities for more people to access consumer-commissioned homes that suit their lives.” To complete the survey, which closes on 30 November, visit the website
www.selfbuildportal.org.uk
New Cabinet remains supportive of self-build
Early indications show that Boris Johnson’s new Cabinet remain supportive of self- build, according to the National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA). In a recent debate in the House of Commons, Right to Build Task Force
A new digital platform that will connect every local planning authority with those interested in building or commissioning their own home has gone live. The first national Right to Build Register will allow people to register with multiple councils in one place. It will also connect those interested individuals or community groups with opportunities in their area as well as potential suppliers. A Communications Hub will keep
registered users up to date on what’s happening in their chosen areas. The Register has been launched with the aim of bringing “like-minded” people together to redesign the way housing is delivered.
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www.sbhonline.co.uk
ambassador Richard Bacon MP stressed once again that custom- and self-build housing offers a range of benefits, such as its potential use for affordable homes, a range of tenures and generally offering people more choice for housing. He asked that the Government support NaCSBA’s recommendation to introduce a ‘Help to Build’ scheme, similar to the existing Help to Buy one. Finally, he emphasised the need for a planning reform. Minister of State for Housing and Planning Esther McVey was positive in her
response. She commented: “We want to have the right to build. We want to be able to make sure it is not a few companies building thousands of homes but there could be thousands of individuals making their own home. That is what we are about, choice and opportunity.” McVey showed further support at the RESI Convention in September, where she
said: “So many places around the world have far more people building their own homes, so we’re going to be there, whether its support for Right to Buy or Right to Build, and also supporting communities, for Communities to Build.” McVey will appear on the Grand Theatre stage at Grand Designs Live in
Birmingham on 9 October, discussing the “creation of better and more beautiful homes” with Kevin McCloud.
september/october 2019
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