There is a concern that the Government has not yet appreciated the impact Brexit will have on supply chain skills. For some major house builders and contractors 60-70% of labour on some sites is EU and in architecture and design is around 25% EU in many practices.
Plans are already being made to develop sites into 2020 and beyond so certainty for house builders is needed.
The reliance of architectural and design practices on EU personnel makes the case that architecture should be accepted as a ‘’shortage occupation’’ for immigration purposes, until a sensible long-term post-Brexit arrangement is agreed.
The government’s ambitions to double housing output cannot be realised if housing design practices cannot retain suitable staff, let alone grow to meet demand – especially given the policy emphasis on complex brownfield sites and community engagement, which require the input of specialist architects.
Land availability is generally not a limiting factor for house builders – but there has not been a lot of “quality” public sector land in recent years. Although the role of local authorities as a strategic promoter of land for housing is increasing, there is a shortage of skills in local authorities making it frustrating for joint venture partners and house builders wishing to develop.
A way forward is for local authorities to review and streamline procurement processes to make them cost effective for the private sector. Partnership with the commercial sector could also help local authorities to re-skill.
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Contributors:
Ian Davis, Operations Director
NHBC
Chris Tinker, Chairman, Regeneration Division
Crest Nicholson
Andrew Beharrell, Senior Partner
Pollard Thomas Edwards
Rob Beiley, Partner
Trowers & Hamlins
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