
First reported on The Construction Index
30 Second Briefing
The House of Commons' Environmental Audit Committee argues that nature should not be scapegoated as a barrier to housing development, emphasising the need for sustainable practices in its report, "Environmental sustainability and housing growth". The committee criticises the Planning & Infrastructure Bill for insufficient measures to meet environmental and housing targets, highlighting severe skills shortages in ecology, planning, and construction. Recommendations include reducing VAT on retrofit projects from 20% to incentivise energy-efficient homes and revising tax policies to favour low-carbon housing, aiming to support the government's target of building 1.5 million homes by 2028.
Technical Brief
- The Environmental Audit Committee criticises the Planning & Infrastructure Bill for lacking measures to meet environmental and housing targets.
- MPs argue against blaming nature for housing delays, emphasising sustainable development as essential for neighbourhoods.
- Recommendations include reducing VAT on retrofit projects from 20% to encourage energy-efficient home improvements.
- Concerns are raised about the presumption in favour of sustainable development, which may lead to unsustainable and speculative projects.
- The committee urges a realistic analysis of workforce needs to meet housing targets, highlighting Natural England's role amid staffing cuts.


