Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 16
16
The Department and Homes England told that they were trying to encourage the building of...
Conclusion
The Department and Homes England told that they were trying to encourage the building of smaller, cheaper homes through investing in firms that build modular homes and encouraging sites with high levels of modular construction. It explained it was looking to increase demand for this type of home. However, Homes England cautioned that local authority planning committees were nervous of this type of home, so it was gathering the evidence to demonstrate to the sector that this was worthwhile and increase developer confidence.43
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
5.6 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 5.7 Target implementation date: Autumn 2021 5.8 The department is clear that new technology and innovation have improved productivity, quality and choice across a range of sectors and the government wants to see the same happen in housing. Some of the potential benefits of modern methods of construction (MMC) have not yet been realised in the housing sector, because it has not reached scale. 5.9 The department is focused on tackling the barriers to increasing the use of MMC; interventions so far have included Homes England funding and eight ‘showcase’ housing sites; working with industry on warranties and accreditation; and procuring research into the safety of modular housing. The department is also supporting the creation of a pipeline of opportunities, which is key to give confidence to the sector and investors, for instance, the Affordable Homes Programme recently adopted a 25% target for MMC within the Strategic Partnerships. The department is committed to continuing to work with the sector to address systemic issues and achieve sustainable growth.