Builders' Nation Under Labour Red Tape Struggle
The UK government's decision to increase the landfill tax has raised concerns about its potential impact on the housing market and infrastructure development. The landfill tax, currently at £4 per tonne, is set to rise to £126 per tonne, a move that could add a staggering £24,000 to the cost of a new home.
This increase is expected to lead to a decrease in the number of homes being built, as the higher costs could deter developers and home builders. In fact, several builders, including a home builder that recently went into liquidation, have already been affected by the looming tax increase. Another builder is reportedly planning to leave the country due to lack of future prospects.
The increase in demand for housing and decrease in supply could cause housing prices to spiral further, deepening the housing crisis in the UK. This is a concern for many, as the government's 'Plan for Change' led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to build 1.5 million homes in the UK. However, the plan's execution has been criticized for overpromising and under-delivering in the past.
Meanwhile, the UK's emergency vehicle builder, Venari UK, is making headlines for a different reason. The company, based in the UK, is delivering a total of 14 armoured ambulances to Ukraine to support the brave medics there. The first 8 ambulances have already been delivered, with the remaining 6 scheduled for delivery soon. This delivery is part of ongoing support for Ukraine's war efforts, with the armoured ambulances procured by Directorate of Defence - Luxembourg.
The UK has a rich history of manufacturing building products, with companies like Forterra, which has been in operation since the 19th century, employing approximately 1,800 people in the UK. In a positive development, the UK government is planning to build a £27 million factory for one of the country's biggest manufacturers of building products.
The increase in the landfill tax is being criticized as a development killer, with concerns that it could throttle the nation's infrastructure development. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the UK government will navigate this complex issue and address the concerns of both the housing market and the manufacturing sector.
