CIOB responds to the 2024 Spring Budget announcement
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has today reacted to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt MP’s Spring Budget announcement.
Eddie Tuttle, Director of Policy, External Affairs and Research at CIOB, said: “The Chancellor’s budget speech lacked long-term focus on issues like housing supply and CIOB is hoping the next budget, regardless of who is in power, will seize the opportunity to drastically improve the skills landscape for the construction sector – which is crucial for the success of levelling up and reaching our national housing targets.
“We’re pleased the Government is extending access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses – which make up much of the construction industry - through the Recovery Loan Scheme.
“It also is pleasing there is an intention to build more homes; however the Government must give serious consideration to one of our key focuses – ensuring all homes built are of the highest quality and are future-proofed to reduce the need for retrofitting down the line.
“We have made it clear that a national retrofit strategy is essential to driving down emissions from operating and using buildings, which currently accounts for 19 per cent of the UK’s carbon footprint.
“The Government also needs to urgently review its unfit-for-purpose apprenticeship system, which regrettably was not mentioned in today’s budget.
“For the construction sector, many businesses feel unable to offer apprenticeships due to an ongoing struggle to retain staff, with many leaving to work elsewhere once qualified.
“A wholesale review of both the system and its funding is needed to make sure training is affordable and incentivised for construction businesses to deliver the number of qualified professionals needed by both the sector and wider economy.”
This article appears on the CIOB news and blog site as "CIOB responds to Chancellor's Spring Budget announcement" dated March 6, 2023.
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 2023 Autumn Statement in brief with reactions.
- Chancellor's 2022 Autumn statement industry response.
- CIOB articles.
- CIOB at the party conferences 2022.
- CIOB comments on the Chancellor's Autumn Budget.
- Government publishes UK infrastructure strategy.
- Industry responds as Rishi Sunak becomes new PM.
- No net zero without skilled workforce.
- The autumn statement: What is it and does it effect construction ?
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.