News Extra
Electrical sector responds to Autumn budget
On 30 October, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered her first Budget in Parliament.
T
he general consensus from the electrical sector is that although the Budget contains positive steps, such as encouraging house building and taking up low carbon technologies, a more specific roadmap with practical details needs to be forthcoming for it to ensure meaningful change.
Here, we have assembled some of the responses from key industry stakeholders and voices.
ECA COO Andrew Eldred:
“ECA welcomes the Chancellor’s commitment to invest in industry, housing and electric transport and her commitment to refocus levy funding away from Masters’ degrees towards trade apprenticeships, as announced earlier this year. “However, this budget lacks crucial detail on how it will support skills access for smaller firms, which make up 99% of the electrical contracting sector. These businesses will now also carry the higher burden of Employer National Insurance and higher apprentice costs.
“A system responsive to local and future demand is essential, as is industry’s role in shaping pathways and qualifications that lead directly to employability. Robust support for green skills is critical to preparing a workforce that can meet the demands of the net- zero transition, and we urge government collaboration with industry to close regional gaps and build a strong, skilled talent pipeline.”
NAPIT managing director Frank Bertie: “Any moves to encourage house building and the take up of low carbon technologies is good for our members, offers economic benefits and will help with the transition to net zero. We are also pleased to see the government’s commitment to improving building safety… in response to the Grenfell Tower fire. “The Warm Homes Plan will [make homes] cleaner and cheaper to run, from installing new insulation to rolling out solar and heat pumps.
Yselkla Farmer, CEO of BEAMA: “The Chancellor’s budget has stepped up urgently needed investment, tackling the UK’s key decarbonisation heating and transport challenges. Reaffirming the £3.4bn Warm Homes Plan investment is positive but it is essential the Government fleshes out the practical details of its approach with cost-effective, impactful measures such as on heating controls and improving indoor air quality to protect health. “Making big investment pledges sends a valuable political signal but the Government urgently needs to grasp the nettle on trickier details that will drive decarbonisation in people’s lives and bring long term financial and quality of life benefits. The UK’s £14bn turnover Net Zero supply chain is ready to support this but needs a more ambitious policy and regulatory framework to match these financial signals.
However, more clarity is needed around some of the initiatives, articularly on if and when the Government will introduce the Future Homes Standards which will mandate what low carbon technologies are installed in those new homes. If the Government is serious about meeting its target to build 1.5 million new homes, it seems to make total sense to install solar panels, heat pumps and EV chargers when they are built, instead of retrofitting them at a later date adding additional costs and inconvenience to householders.”
“The commitment to 1.5 million new homes is encouraging, but immediate clarity is needed on the Future Homes Standards is crucial so that developers and housebuilders, especially SME housebuilders, can cost and plan accordingly for future much needed housing developments.”
Chris Claydon, chief executive of JTL: “JTL welcomes much of what has been announced , including support for skills challenges in key sectors which the Government acknowledges is holding back growth across the country. It is imperative that Independent Training Providers can also access the funding pledged to work towards a more level playing field.
“Apprenticeships in the electrical and plumbing trades directly support the growth the Chancellor has pointed to today, such as infrastructure development and delivering new homes. The skills pipeline created by apprenticeships is a lifeline to industry and training providers are straining to meet demand. While there is no doubt the sector will rise to the challenge of future demands, we need a systems- thinking approach from the heart of government to get there.”
18 | electrical wholesalerDecember 2024
ewnews.co.uk
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