InstallerSHOW is back from 21st to 23rd June and it’s bigger and better than ever this year in a new home at Birmingham’s NEC. InstallerSHOW will bring together over 300 exhibitors, 100 speakers and 10,000 visitors over the three days, with a packed exhibition of all the latest plumbing, heating and electrical products, plus a host of ideas and solutions to help the industry decarbonise buildings on the route to net zero.

There is SO much going on this year, so here are 8 of the highlights you won’t want to miss

1. Inspiring speeches: There will be two thought-provoking keynote speeches at the show, from Lord Callanan, Minister for Business, Energy and Corporate Responsibility, and environmental campaigner Jonathon Porritt. Listen to what they have to say about the challenges facing the industry as we strive to decarbonise heat and buildings.
2. Educational discussions: The three elemental content theatres – Net Zero by Design with BEAMA, Decarbonising Buildings and Making Buildings Smarter – are an exciting addition for 2022, with expert-led panel discussions and seminars discussing everything from low-carbon housing retrofit to the rollout of EV charging points. The fantastic line-up of speakers features leading voices from organisations including BEIS, E.ON, Max Fordham, Homes England, Midland Heart, British Gas, NatWest, Wates Group, Lloyds Banking Group, Pivot Power, The Carbon Trust and many more.
3. Knowledge boost: The BESA Theatre is another place to head for those looking for free-to-attend educational content at the show, with a selection of sessions, aimed at building engineers and those seeking to further their professional knowledge, enhance their skills and ensure they remain fully qualified and competent in an environment of fast-moving changes and directives. Topics include ventilation for health and its balance with sustainability, and how and why to transition to heat pumps
4. Innovation: Another new feature for the 2022 show is theWates Innovation Zone – a showcase of low-carbon products from extensively vetted suppliers who can offer genuine, market-leading sustainable technology to help in the design, construction, maintenance and use of buildings. Just some of the innovators within the Wates Innovation Network include Solar glass, Hydrotap, Ecoprod, Beanbag, Dyson, Altecnic, Elysator and Mixergy. The full list can be accessed at wates.co.uk/wates-innovation-network/innovation-partners/
5. Special offers: And the product innovation doesn’t stop there, with over 300 exhibitors, there will be plenty of opportunity for visitors to get hands-on with the latest ranges, ask questions and also bag some superb offers. Many manufacturers offer exclusive show-only offers and The Great Industry CLEARANCE, run in association with Wolseley, is where visitors can walk away with some fantastic deals on tools, equipment, and supplies – most at well over 50% OFF the original price.
6. Hot topics: The hub of the show isthe InstallerPLAZA, sponsored by GlowWorm, where a series of events will be staged, including the announcement of the Heating Installer Awards Winners on Wednesday 22nd, and a special guest appearance by Midlands football legend, Dion Dublin. The InstallerPLAZA will host six Great Debates on some of the hottest industry topics. Hydrogen, heat pumps, smart homes, water saving, plus a live BetaTALK podcast will all take to the stage. Head to the InstallerSHOW website to see the full schedule and speakers.
7.  Hands-on training: Visitors can access no-cost training and update their skills at InstallerSHOW. The InstallerTHEATRE will host daily sessions from the Gas Safe Register, IMI Hydronic, Elysator and the CIPHE. Plus the new Installing the future. NOW! feature gives installers hands-on and practical training on the products that will lead the UK’s drive to net zero including EV charging points and heat pumps.
8.  Network: All visitors will get the opportunity to meet others looking for solutions to the same challenges and share ideas, or simply catch up with friends and colleagues from this close-knit industry. With challenges, giveaways, competitions, freebies and more, there’s plenty to keep you entertained over the three days. 2022 also sees the debut of Installer Street Food. After listening to feedback from past attendees, we have lined up some mouth-watering culinary surprises for our visitors to tuck into at our Installer Street Food complete with its very own Installer Pub.

Best of all, it’s completely FREE to attend. Register for your free ticket today > https://installer-2022-visitor.reg.buzz/pr0806

BA exhibit at Kbb 2022, Booth N70 | 6 – 9 March 2022

BA, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of factory-built, bespoke and made-to-measure kitchens and bedrooms and specialist components, set the pace for 2022 with a host of new product launches taking place at this year’s kbb show.

Taking place on 6^th to 9^th March 2022 at NEC Birmingham, BA, from Booth N70 will display a series of true-to-life kitchen and bedroom schemes, where the company will be taking a community-style approach at this year’s exhibition with a range of brand slogans that echo the emotional decision when buying a new kitchen or bedroom. Nuala Brady, Group Marketing Manager at BA says,“Synonymous with the latest industry products and services, Kbb 2022 provides us with a highly saturated captive audience that is ready and willing to talk shop and get down to do business safely in person. This will mark our 12th year exhibiting at Kbb Birmingham and given the recent market disruption, we are so pleased to be able to illustrate our latest innovations and retail packages specially designed for our trade customers to take their business to the next level. Giving direct access to what we believe to be the best product and marketing support in the KBB industry, we aim to grow our network of trusted retailers and make our customers selection process simple and enjoyable right from first enquiry.”

From Stand N70, BA will hero the new InRail true handleless kitchen range available rigid M2M and a limited range of flat-packed stocked options. This will sit alongside the new Bella classic square panel shaker called Buxton, one of several new door styles being added to the range. The company’s new bedroom collection will introduce three new door opening styles and 3 cabinet colours across its ranges, with several wardrobe interior options to excite the modern homeowner and answer current retail trends where the bedroom has become all things, to all people.

BA will also introduce 72 new handles from Formed’s ‘Momo’ handle range plus let visitors take a first look at the company’s newly upgraded MyBA 24-hour online ordering portal with live demo on stand. The hospitality area will provide a dedicated space to network and makes way for the new Jayline J-Profile handleless range and handle collection for both standard and made to measure sizes. Following an investment of over £2million, BA is now proudly the UK’s only automated process line to manufacture a J-Profile handleless door for both standard and made to measure sizes.

In addition to its latest product developments, the company is also primed to emphasise its consumer-facing brand Blossom Avenue, which offers a complete range of full rigid kitchens with an endless choice of innovative designs, styles, materials and accessories to choose from. Providing an attractive retail package that is designed to be any size, style, colour and finish, Blossom Avenue offers the perfect mix of quality, sustainable materials and cutting-edge design for the modern homeowner. By attending the show, we hope to serve existing customers as well as ideally convert new Blossom Avenue retailers and signature stores.

Images show:

• Top left kitchen: Jayline Supermatt Indigo Blue
  • Top right kitchen: InRail Zurfiz Ultragloss Cream
  • Bottom left bedroom: Bella High Gloss White Venice
  • Bottom right bedroom: Zurfiz Ultragloss Metallic Blue

Press visits are being arranged on stand – if you would like to have a guided tour of the new products and displays, as well as receive all corresponding press material and high res photography, please email emily@publicityengineers.com or call 07572 505 713 to book an appointment.

For BA, please contact: t +44 (0)28 8676 4600 | e sales@byba.co.uk | w www.byba.co.uk | For the latest news & company updates, please follow BA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & YouTube, plus Blossom Avenue on Pinterest #WeMakeTheDifference

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Leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner has appointed Guy Lambert as Head of Marketing and Communications. This is a new position at Rendall & Rittner and will be key to ensuring sustained business growth and the successful implementation of the company’s market leading new property management platform.

Guy comes with extensive experience in Marketing and Communications in the real estate sector. Most recently, he was Head of Marketing and Communications at NHBC, establishing a commercially driven marketing and communications strategy to revitalise the brand and prior to that was Head of Corporate Communications at Telford Homes Plc.

In his new role, Guy will be instrumental in the launch of the company’s new property management platform. This market leading customer and client focussed platform will, for the first time in the UK market, bring together all the many facets of property management in one place. The platform will provide a complete, transparent picture to clients and customers, ensuring Rendall & Rittner continues to deliver the best sector wide service. Guy will develop and deliver a communication strategy that will ensure engagement with the new platform which will launch this summer.

Guy commented: “I’ve built my career in marketing and communications as I find the experience of driving growth, reputation and profile hugely rewarding. With Rendall & Rittner’s commitment to continuous improvement and growth, I am excited by the opportunity to establish marketing and communication strategies that will help the company achieve its goals, particularly through the new custom-made platform.”

Richard Daver, Managing Director of Rendall & Rittner said: “We are delighted to welcome Guy to the Rendall & Rittner team. This is an very exciting time for us as we prepare to roll out our new platform that will simplify property management and ensure we continue to deliver the best service in our sector. As we continue to grow Guy’s experience should also be invaluable in helping us achieve our growth targets, by working with our existing customers and attracting new clients.” For further information please visit: www.rendallandrittner.co.uk

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Brandt Design, leading experts in the design and conception of bespoke kitchens and living spaces for the luxury market pinpoint the latest in interior design to provide its own trends forecast, so you can discover the most innovative ways to create your dream kitchen in 2022.

“2022 is definitely set to be ‘the year of the kitchen’ as the design possibilities extend to all areas of the home with bespoke fitted furniture, rich finishes and special effects answering the demand for creative kitchen living. We are seeing that home-owners are increasingly keen to commission spaces which combine high fashion colours with personalized designs which are in perfect harmony with architectural details for a ‘meant to be’ feel. Going forwards we anticipate that the most appealing kitchens will be those with a unique dynamic, anchoring and supporting family life in a progressive and elegant way” says Julia Steadman, Commercial Director at Brandt Design.

FLUID FOCUS:The desire for multi-faceted and tailored spaces is leading to an increasing appreciation of both open-plan and broken-plan kitchen schemes alongside a willing to rip up the rule book. Large connected spaces bring the best in contemporary kitchen living environments with island seating, separate dining tables, standalone bar areas and a matching family cinema rooms, if required. This fluidity is enhanced by a new lightness of touch with colours in pale greys and greens and rich wood veneers. Adding individuality into the kitchen space is coming through loud and clear in 2022. Kitchen specialists set to deliver even more design expertise when sourcing lighting, seating and Wifi enabled appliances for a complete lifestyle solution which extends far beyond the traditional cook zone.

BEAUTY WITH UTILITY: Levelling up the practical areas of the kitchen is a key theme for 2022 as homeowners continue to invest in bespoke boot rooms and utility areas. Laundry management will be enhanced by a new generation of eco-conscious appliances to manage water effectively whilst caring for clothes. The ability to configure the laundry room to include an extra washer or dryer is leading to ever greater personalisation to areas adjacent to the kitchen, allowing for greater flow to the garden, home office or living areas so that space-planning and bespoke fitted furniture are even more important.

WONDER WORKTOPS: Increasing the functionality of kitchen living relies strongly on versatile and durable surfaces to protect units as well as providing ample work space for the keen home chef making the worktop the jewel in the crown of the 2022 kitchen. You have the option of mixing and matching a range of beautiful natural and manmade surfaces throughout the kitchen suite, so that if you want a different look and feel for the utility room go for it. Surfaces are now a key component of setting the tone in the kitchen, with the ability to elevate a simple island design into a designer statement. Fusing aesthetics with practicality to withstand heavy daily use, the latest generation of quartz worktops are the ideal solution for busy kitchen lovers – offering the timeless appeal of marble with fuss-free cleaning. Classic black, white and grey will be failsafe choices for clean lines with contemporary appeal.

SOPHISTICATED STYLING: Driven by a desire to upgrade and future-proof the forever home, the 2022 kitchen blends comfort, style and practicality with intelligent appliances. As home tech leads to a greater home integration, we are seeing further refinement in kitchen storage to hide and reveal flat screens, tuck away utensils under the hob or to create designated areas for home bars or coffee stations. Luxe finishing touches continue to be all-important from a visual and tactile point of view with glass splashbacks and gunmetal accessories bringing a modern edge to classic painted kitchens.

Brandt Design │ website www.brandtdesign.co.uk │ email info@brandtkitchens.co.uk

Hatch End: 431 The Broadway, Uxbridge Rd, Pinner, Herts HA5 4JR | t 0203 758 4455

Hampstead: 489, Finchley Road, West Hampstead, London NW3 6HS | t 0208 194 7888Stevenage: Oxleys Rd, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG2 9YE | t 0143 872 9062

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The UK’s largest British designer and manufacturer of premium radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK), share over 30 years of quality product design and expertise to help you find the right heating solution for your bathroom: towel rail or radiator?

TOWEL WARMERS: Practical, ergonomic and available in a myriad of design options, the towel warmer has become a must-have in today’s modern and traditional bathrooms, ensuring that you can enjoy a five-star experience at home with soft and dry towels at your convenience after a bath or shower. You can choose from a huge variety of styles and dimensions so that even the largest bath sheets can be dried between uses and help cut down on laundry.

The beauty of a towel warmer is that you will always have a designated place for towels, even in a bijou en suite or downstairs cloakroom, and by making ambient heating available you will reduce the likelihood of mould or mildew developing in a damp environment. You can choose fully electric heating for the ultimate in convenience, complete with remote control settings, so your towel warmer can work independently whenever you need it. If you want even more flexibility you can switch between dual fuel options which have the capability to run from a central heating circuit or an electric element: handy in the summer months when the central heating is turned off! Towel warmers can be installed with electric under floor heating or conventional central heating, so you can create the right ambience for every bathroom in your house.

RADIATORS: Radiator design in 2022 continues to evolve so that you can pick and choose from eco-luxe aluminium options, which are both sustainable and excellent at retaining heat, as well as the latest floating bar ‘hidden heating’ concepts for a contemporary, high-fashion bathroom look.

Quality raw materials are therefore centre stage in heating design, with different options influencing the performance of your radiator. Stainless steel and brass are incredibly versatile and durable, enabling them to be installed on any hot water or central heating system. Plus, stainless steel can be polished, brushed or painted and brass is available in brushed, plated and painted, which means the finished look can be customised according to your personal taste.

Similarly, we are finding that interest in aluminium heaters is growing rapidly, as they use a very low water content, warming up quickly and reducing energy use. As well as being an eco-friendly metal, aluminium is renowned for its ability to conduct heat rapidly, which ensures your radiator will heat up quickly and easily to save you both time and money. A greener alternative to designs in brass and steel, aluminium is regarded as one of the most sustainable materials in the world.

Given the rich variety of housing stock in the UK, make sure you consider the extensive range of wall-hung radiator designs in order to suit your personal taste and style of property. With fewer walls and larger bathroom spaces to heat, both the power and placement of radiators is increasingly important. A new generation of vertical radiators is well placed to capitalise on space, as well as beat cold spots and draughts with a minimum footprint and maximum appeal.

To help you ascertain the right heat output for your bathroom space, why not check out the Vogue (UK) BTU calculator? You can then the right arrangement without compromising on style or utility.

Comments attributable to Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK). For further information on the brand, its products and services, please call 01902 387 000, email info@vogueuk.co.uk or visit www.vogueuk.co.uk

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Daval Furniture, award-winning British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture cater to contemporary lifestyles and new forms of connectivity in the home with this custom Cinema Room, which was made to order and commissioned by professional interior design studio, Anna Crecraft Interiors.

Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval says, “We are always proud to collaborate prestigious design businesses which are local to us in Yorkshire, so we were delighted to work with Anna to create a made-to-measure, made-to-order solution. Our custom-made, sustainable furniture in Varenna Cuban Oak and Mayfair Bronze is perfect for the Main Lounge at Ackworth Park, a premium family home, near Pontefract, West Yorkshire, ensuring that the owners can enjoy the ultimate in luxury and practicality.”

The rich architectural style and depth of colour adds a contemporary impact to the minimalist design, with integrated Cuban Oak alcoves and custom storage ensuring a neutral and inviting vibe for movie night!

Cuban Oak gives interiors the look and feel of natural wood however, being a laminate solution, it is not restricted by weight or limited by the permeable qualities of genuine timber, so it naturally lends itself to bespoke storage solutions which work with the unique proportions of your home. In addition, the large TV is integrated into the sloping ceiling withDaval Mayfair Bronze furniture – which has a subtle metallic effect elevating the deluxe look and feel of this relaxing room scheme.

James Bodsworth, Design Director atDaval explains, “It’s vital to use your imagination to maximise storage and design potential in your home. Don’t just look for the one flat, full height wall in a room. Remember that in nature, a straight line does not exist, so design as nature intends. Look for the angles, crevices, corners and floor space. We manufacture our products specifically to your orders, so that the furniture fits the space, not the other way around. We designed the cabinetry for this cinema room and additional storage on the third floor of this beautiful home, integrating the AV system with access behind the television. Integrated lighting really makes a difference to the aesthetic, helping to set the tone for a cinema room which is welcoming by day or by night.”

Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval says, “With huge home-benefits being unearthed in terms of material, design and proficiency, fitted furniture trends in the living room have shaped the way for increasingly spacious, well-lit interiors that place an emphasis on ‘stylised functionality’.”

Each cabinet by Daval is made from sustainably sourced materials and come in a range of high-fashion finishes like the featured Cuban Oak and Bronze, which add warmth and sophistication to the living area. Precision engineered in Britain, the Varenna and Mayfair Furniture Collection’s by Daval are made-to-order and made-to-measure, as standard. Watch this space for more Daval Design Collaborations in 2022/23 and in the meantime, please contact: Daval Furniture – t 01484 848 500 │ e enquiries@daval-furniture.co.uk | w www.daval-furniture.co.uk | Instagram: @davalfurniture | Twitter: @Daval_Furniture │ Daval House, Spa Fields Industrial Estate, New St, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD7 5BB

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New Property – Latest data from Companies House shows growth in new businesses established for buying, selling and letting real estate 

31 January 2022, LONDON – The number of new companies established for the buying and selling (or ‘flipping’) of real estate was 43 percent higher last year compared to 2019, according to Companies House data collated and analysed by self-storage company, Access Self Storage.  

With over 58,000 companies incorporated in the past two years, this type of business is now second only to mail order and internet-based retail ventures in terms of popularity, climbing from fourth position in 2019. 

Furthermore, the number of new companies established for property letting was 32 percent higher last year compared to the last pre-pandemic figures, rising two places to third in the current list of most popular business types.  

Removal services are also experiencing a corresponding boom, with the data showing a 59 percent increase in the number of businesses operating in this space. 

On the whole, the number of new businesses launched in UK in 2021 was up 12 percent compared to two years prior. 

Full data tables can be found on the Access Self Storage website. 

Top five business types by total number of new companies incorporated in 2021:  

Pandemic landlord, Ben Beckles, 26, who purchased a two-bedroom buy-to-let property in Bath last year said: “I wanted to invest in a tangible asset where there was a good potential return on investment. During the pandemic there was a lot of uncertainty and panic, so this felt like a good opportunity to find a good deal on a property below market value. I’ve never wanted to have all my money in the bank so investing has always been my way of thinking.” 

Jonathan Rolande, property expert and founder of The National Association of Property Buyers, said: “With interest rates below 1% for many years, the 5% returns of an average buy-to-let property look very appealing. Add in the potential for capital growth and using property as an investment vehicle certainly has its benefits. Whether the current boom in the market continues is anyone’s guess but in the longer-term property has generally proved a good bet.”  

“Many would-be investors have been tempted to cash in early – some not even letting the home at all. If a reasonably priced property can be secured, and the market makes gains as seen previously, many have experienced increases of up to 10% just in the time it takes to complete the purchase of the property. This can amount to thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds. Flipping a property is a full-time occupation for many keen to realise gains now rather than wait for longer term growth. There are challenges though. Big rewards come with big risks – houses are expensive and one mistake can undo a lot of hard work.” 

Simon Daggett, Head of Marketing at Access Self Storage, commented: “We were keen to understand which types of businesses are being launched amidst what can only be described as a very uncertain economic environment. The trend towards Financial Independent, Retire Early (FIRE) ventures is clear, especially as people look to protect their financial futures. The data shows that buying, selling and letting property continues to be seen as one of the best ways achieving this goal.  

About Access Self Storage 

Access Self Storage offers self-storage, office rental and business services. With 58 sites nationwide, Access has the complete package for anyone wanting secure and affordable self storage. It also offers a wide range of unfurnished, flexible office spaces for small to medium-sized businesses that can be rented on short- or long-term contracts. 

For more information visit: https://www.accessstorage.com 

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In a letter to Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Propertymark is seeking urgent clarification that financial support to fix dangerous cladding will be made equally available to all affected leaseholders, including buy-to-let landlords.

On 10 January 2022, the UK Government set out plans to protect leaseholders and make developers and companies pay to fix the cladding crisis. As part of the plans, the residential property developer industry has been given two months to agree to a plan of action to fund remediation costs, currently estimated at £4 billion.

Buy-to-let

Concerns were flagged when the announcement only referred to ensuring that leaseholders living in their own flats will not face any costs to fix dangerous cladding, with no reference to support for buy-to-let landlords. Propertymark’s letting agent members work closely with landlords who are extremely concerned that they face huge financial hardship if they are forced to pay for a scandal, they had no part in causing. Additionally, without the same level of support, we are concerned about the creation of a two-tier approach to remediation and additional levels of complexity to the process.

On 20 January 2022, Daisy Cooper MP, Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Leasehold and Commonhold Reform asked the Secretary of State if he will provide a working definition of who will count as landlords in the context of excluding landlords from the scheme to protect leaseholders from bearing the cost of external wall system remediation. The response from Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher MP outlined that the UK Government will explore whether this support should extend to other leaseholders such as buy-to-let landlords.

The issue has also been raised with Sir Peter Bottomley, Chair of the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform APPG and the Group’s Co-Chairs Daisy Cooper MP and Justin Madders MP. 

“The principle that leaseholders must not be expected to pay to fix a cladding crisis that they did not cause lies at the heart of the UK Government’s plans to address the issue, but there is no logical basis on which buy-to-let landlords should be excluded from this. 

Buy-to-let landlords are no more to blame and deserve justice just as much as any other leaseholder to ensure they are not penalised for simply being landlords.

The ball has been put firmly and very publicly in the court of those responsible, but there are still more details that need to be clarified to restore full confidence in this area of the market. 

Propertymark welcomes efforts by the UK Government to bring an end to this issue that has left many people unable to re-mortgage, sell or rent out these homes, so it’s vital that private rented sector landlords are included in the support”.

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House price – Annual house price growth accelerated to 11.2% in January, the strongest pace since June last year, and the strongest start to the year for 17 years, new figures show.

Prices rose by 0.8% month-on-month, after taking account of seasonal effects, the sixth consecutive monthly increase, according to the Nationwide HPI.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist, said: “Housing demand has remained robust. Mortgage approvals for house purchase have continued to run slightly above pre-pandemic levels, despite the surge in activity in 2021 as a result of the stamp duty holiday, which encouraged buyers to bring forward their transactions to avoid additional tax.

“Indeed, the total number of property transactions in 2021 was the highest since 2007 and around 25% higher than in 2019, before the pandemic struck.

“At the same time, the stock of homes on estate agents’ books has remained extremely low, which is contributing to the continued robust pace of house price growth.

While the outlook remains uncertain, it is likely that the housing market will slow this year, according to Gardner.

He points out that residential property price growth has outstripped earnings growth by a wide margin since the pandemic struck and, as a result, housing affordability has become less favourable.

For example, a 10% deposit on a typical first-time buyer home is now equivalent to 56% of total gross annual earnings, a record high. Similarly, a typical mortgage payment as a share of take-home pay is now above the long run average, despite mortgage rates remaining close to all-time lows.

He continued: “Reduced affordability is likely to exert a dampening impact on market activity and house price growth, especially since household finances are also coming under pressure from sharp increases in the cost of living.

“Consumer price inflation reached 5.4% in December, its fastest pace since 1992. This is more than double the Bank of England’s 2% target and inflation is set to rise further in the coming months as the energy price cap is increased. This rapid rise in inflation has been an important factor denting consumer confidence in recent months, especially how people see their own personal financial situation evolving, although as yet, this has done little to dent housing market activity.

“High inflation and growing confidence that the Omicron variant will not derail the wider economic recovery has led to increased expectations that policymakers will increase interest rates further in the months ahead. This will further reduce housing affordability if it feeds through to higher mortgage rates, although to date a significant proportion of the rise in longer term interest rates seen in recent months has been absorbed by lenders.”

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Inquiry into Michael Gove’s £4bn cladding funding plan kicks off with evidence sessions this week

Major housing and construction bodies will address MPs this week as an inquiry into Michael Gove’s £4bn cladding remediation levy plan gets underway.

The cross-party levelling up, housing and communities committee is investigating the housing secretary’s contentious plan to force developers into paying for remediation of blocks between 11 and 18 metres in height.

parliament

Evidence will be heard from witnesses at two sessions this week.

From 4pm today the committee will question David O’Leary, policy director at the Homes Builders Federation, John Mulyran, group managing director at Ballymore and Peter Caplehorn, chief executive of the Construction Products Association (see box below).

On Wednesday, MPs will hear from bodies representing insurers, lenders and housing associations, including the National Housing Federation and G15.

Industry figures have questioned the fairness of house builders shouldering the cost burden. Others have questioned whether Gove’s threats4bn to restrict grant funding, use planning powers and pursue developers through the courts if they do not pay would work in practice.

Gove last week wrote to the CPA warning cladding manufacturers must also pay or face a ban on trading in the United Kingdom.

Property & Development Magazine