APPG for Excellence in the Built Environment launches new inquiry into housebuilding targets

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment (APPGEBE) has been reformed and has announced a new inquiry into ‘How can we build 1.5 million quality homes in this Parliament?’.

The inquiry will gather insights, strategies, and innovative solutions from industry experts, stakeholders, and the public in how we can ensure that building more homes does not result in poor quality of design, construction and placemaking.

The reconstituted APPGEBE is now chaired by Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South, who has been appointed to government to be a business champion for the construction sector. He is a former director of Mace with over 20 years’ experience working within the construction sector. The Secretariat for the APPGBE continues to be supported by the Construction Industry Council (CIC), which has issued a call for evidence for the new inquiry.

The Commission, which includes Parliamentarians and Industry experts will commence taking oral evidence today, 14 July and complete their sessions on 21 July.

The APPG was originally established in 2010 and has been a vital forum for cross-party dialogue and inquiries into the strategic challenges and opportunities facing the built environment sector – from flooding mitigation to poor procurement. The Group’s previous six inquiries have led to influential reports notably More homes fewer complaints (2016) and Better redress for homeowners (2018) lead to Government setting up a New Homes Ombudsman.

The APPGEBE expects to publish a report from its latest inquiry in the Autumn.

APPGEBE Chair Mike Reader MP said: “Government has set out a hugely ambitious homebuilding programme and is backing this up with the biggest funding support in a generation. It is absolutely vital that this is spent in a way that can help provides a lasting legacy for communities with homes of the highest quality and we avoid problems of the past.”

Graham Watts Chief Executive of CIC commented: “There is a great deal riding on government and the industry to deliver on its promises. CIC is absolutely delighted to be supporting the APPGEBE and contributing to this hugely important topic.”