Product Availability Hindering Green Homes Grant Works

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF BUILDERS (NFB) has warned of global material delays and availability impacting the construction industry. The organisation is now asking the Government to ensure that the Green Homes Grant takes account of these.

The trade association has publicly  thanked the Government for its recent commitments and action to ensure Green Homes Grant contractors were being paid more quickly and the final round of grant applications were honoured.

Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “When the Green Homes Grant closed, we asked ministers to ensure contractor payments were sped up and applications were honoured. Since that time, we have heard many positive stories about quick payment and timely decisions for work, so although the scheme has closed, it has ironed out major issues.

“This bodes well for future iterations of zero carbon funding and rebuilding trust with industry, campaigners and consumers.”

The NFB says these are positive signs that show the Government is listening to industry and recognising the challenges which exist on major construction schemes.

However, the materials shortages of the past six months mean that some construction will be delayed. It can also mean that specification of products will need to be substituted for work to proceed.

Beresford continued: “Due to global material delays and in some cases, unavailable products, the Green Homes Grant teams may need to extend voucher expiry dates and more quickly consent to substituted ‘like for like’ products. We therefore urge the Government to put these recommendations in place and ensure the scheme finishes on a high.”

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