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    Sustainability

    Stop blaming nature, MPs tell government

    November 17, 2025
    Stop blaming nature, MPs tell government

    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.

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