UKGBC responds to the government's Spring Budget 2025

Simon McWhirter, UKGBC's Deputy Chief Executive, responds to the government's Spring Statement 2025.

Today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out her plans for the UK economy during her Spring Statement in the House of Commons.

Simon McWhirter, UKGBC’s Deputy Chief Executive, said:

We welcome the Treasury’s £2 billion investment in social and affordable housing, but these homes need to be aligned with a Future Homes Standard which ensures the high quality and energy efficient homes people deserve, and prevents the need for expensive retrofitting in the future. The current proposals are simply far too anodyne and much more bravery is required. 

The UK urgently needs a comprehensive long-term National Retrofit Strategy, to deliver the warm, comfortable, healthy homes people need, with funding to match. The initial £3.4 billion committed in last year’s budget is also welcome, but not enough. Too many people are still living in damp, draughty homes that are making them sicker and poorer. 

Investment in our net zero future supports industry, business and society – it is central to Labour’s promise to bring down household energy bills and revitalise the UK’s towns, cities, and infrastructure. The Chancellor previously said there was “no trade-off between economic growth and net zero”, but we need to see these goals embedded in a long-term strategy.”

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