Covid-19 Housing Market 2020-04-28

2020-04-28

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
The housing market faced challenges after the COVID-19 outbreak, with concerns about support for its recovery.
What plans does the Government have to support the recovery of the housing market after the covid-19 outbreak?
The Government has engaged closely with the housing industry and stands ready to support its recovery. The Minister spoke to various organisations including the Home Builders Federation, large developers, small and medium-sized enterprises, niche developers, metal matrix composite manufacturers, housing associations, the private rented sector, and the National Residential Landlords Association to identify their challenges. Building on the immediate support provided by the Chancellor, measures will be brought forward to support renters and buyers, as well as continuing with a package of housing reforms.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details about upcoming measures for supporting renters and buyers were not clearly defined.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
Smaller construction firms are nervous about returning to work without a full green light from the Government.
What measures is the Minister putting in place to ensure that the construction industry gets all the support it needs to make sound decisions about getting sites reopened?
The Government is working with a range of developers, including SMEs, to ensure they feel safe to go back to work. The Minister hopes that further developers will follow the example set by companies like Taylor Wimpey and Vistry in resuming operations safely.
Assessment & feedback
Concrete steps for smaller firms were not specifically outlined, focusing more on encouragement than specific measures.
Response accuracy