Timber Frame backs Brown's budget

The Timber Frame Association has responded positively to today's budget.

Responding to today's Budget, Bryan Woodley, chief executive of the UK Timber Frame Association, said:

"We are pleased to see a continued strong emphasis on supporting investment and innovation in environmentally sustainable businesses. By the Government taking the UK economy from stable to sustainable, it has been possible for our industry to achieve rapid growth. Our interim market statistics will be published next month, but we expect to see that housing starts grew by about 4% in 2006 in total, whereas timber frame achieved over 8%. With more than 50,000 timber frame units built in 2006 and our UK market share now over 20%, this helps the UK save at least 150,000 tonnes of carbon.

"We also support the policy of using fiscal incentives to encourage interest in zero carbon new homes. The timber frame industry is already developing the technology and building practices that will allow housebuilders to meet the targets for low and zero carbon housing because we know that the use of timber frame makes it both commercially and technically feasible. Examples of such innovative homes are starting on site right now and will be on display in June at Building Research Establishment's Offsite 2007 exhibition. We think housebuilders and the homebuying public will love them.

"However, the limit on £500,000 (the top price band eligible for stamp duty exemption) potentially penalises the highly innovative, top end of the new homes market - the selfbuild sector. Self build is the UK's largest housebuilder. Our clients often invest significantly in designing and building environmentally superlative homes and make the sort of step changes that this Government want to encourage across volume housebuilding. All zero carbon homes, regardless of their sale price, should be rewarded and celebrated.

"We support the Government's recognition of the need for more flexible housing that can easily be modified to meet the needs of older people and changing family living requirements. Timber frame homes are the most adaptable type of homes - it's easy to remodel the living space, add rooms in the roof and make other changes. It's good to see financial support for families who want to make use of such benefits.

"Finally, we are delighted to see the Government playing its part in the international initiative to prevent the destruction of the Central African rainforest. Rainforests are of vital importance within the global climate system. Although worldwide deforestation of the rainforests remains a significant issue, it is not caused by the European construction industry which mainly uses softwood. UK timber frame uses 99% European farmed softwood. The UKTFA is committed to promoting the responsible procurement of timber and to the policy of planting more trees than we harvest. In this way, Europe's forests will continue to act as huge carbon sinks and help tackle global warming."