Neil Baines, Managing Director of Steven Hunt Associates has commented on the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget.
“After the recent political turmoil and set against a backdrop of serious unrest, today’s autumn budget has put into focus the need for more support for businesses and support for individuals still affected by high energy costs. While the Chancellor has recognised the importance of the Net Zero agenda, it goes without saying that more needs to be done to demonstrate that the climate emergency and measures to help cut fuel bills are at the top of its agenda, with policies and incentives that prioritise the decarbonisation of the construction industry for businesses and for homeowners.
“Clients’ preferences are shifting towards green construction methods, and we need investment in helping people cut energy use to lower fuel bills – while the UK construction industry faces a unique set of challenges in 2024, we need to prioritise sustainability, of which this budget doesn’t do enough. With this in mind, I welcome the £4bn worth of investment over the next 5 years into more strategic investment into manufacturing with a net zero focus.”
