Propertymark and the  National Housebuilding Council have welcomed Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ housing growth plans – but want to know where the labour supply is to fulfil them. 

In a statement responding to wide ranging pledges for new homes and infrastructure issues by Reeve’s, NHBC chief executive Steve Wood says: “The key to delivering any of this is tackling the chronic skills shortage in construction. We need to see a similar focus on the skills gap as well as planning reform. 

“NHBC is shaking-up house-building training, with its investment of £100m in the launch of 12 new multi-skill training hubs across the UK. These hubs will produce tradespeople who will support the house-building sector’s productivity by delivering quality new homes when and where needed.

“NHBC’s national network of multi-skill hubs will build on our current bricklaying hubs which are already upskilling the existing workforce, as well as a new generation of tradespeople. 

“Their expertise will be at the heart of delivering government’s ambitious 1.5m new homes target. We are already seeing apprentices at the NHBC Training Hub in Cambridge qualifying in 14-18 months, many with distinctions. 

“These tradespeople, who have undertaken our industry-recognised and immersive training are now supporting the local workforce to build on the Chancellor’s growth plans for the region.”

And Nathan Emerson, chief executive at Propertymark, adds: “Many of the Chancellor’s words are welcome news for many people who live in England and Wales, and Propertymark has long campaigned for a balanced approach when looking towards future housebuilding ambitions. 

“We hope that when the Planning and Infrastructure Bill becomes law it can deliver the correct level of housing in regions where demand is prevalent.

“It is reassuring to see housing play a key part of Ms Reeves’ mission to make Cambridge a technological hub by delivering 4,500 new homes. 

“However, with continuous guarantees to build more homes, more detail is needed as to how the Chancellor will develop the UK’s workforce and skills to meet its ambitious targets as currently the UK Government would need to build thousands of new homes every week before the next election in order to meet its goals.” 

In addition to reiterating the government pledge to ensure 1.5m homes are built, Reeves confirmed the government is officially backing plans to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport, arguing it could create 100,000 jobs.

A decision to expand Luton Airport and build an emergency runway at Gatwick Airport will be delivered soon, and the government will revive the closed Doncaster airport.

Reeves vowed to build “Europe’s Silicon Valley” between Oxford and Cambridge, unveiling policies to boost the region’s transport links and add £78bn to the UK economy in the next 10 years.

The government will also let water companies build nine new reservoirs.

Meanwhile government guidance on building major projects will be reviewed to encourage investments outside of the south-east of England.