Housing Crisis in 2026: The view from the ground up

An introduction from Rico Wojtulewicz, Director of Policy and Market Insight:

Sarah Barraclough, Managing Director of Verity and Co. Homes, explores the challenges that her housebuilding business faces from excessive red tape, an ineffective planning system alongside the impact that this system is having on housing development, ‘dying’ construction trades and barriers for young new entrants to the construction sector. 

Paul Knox, Managing Director of Pearce Construction, welcomes the government’s recognition of the medium-sized site but emphasises the limitations of the government’s assessment of site size by acreage rather than number of dwellings.

Paul Knox, Managing Director of Pearce Construction, outlines the limits placed on technical standards by the planning process and the impact these limitations are having on development.

Paul Knox, Managing Director of Pearce Construction, calls for a review of neighbourhood plans that are not enabling housing delivery.

Paul Knox, Managing Director of Pearce Construction, highlights the need for development of effective planning policy that allows SMEs to delivery affordable housing.

Paul Knox, Managing Director of Pearce Construction, shares his view that the Building Safety Levy disproportionately impacts SME housebuilders.

Paul Knox, Managing Director of Pearce Construction, discusses the impact that council tax on standing stock has had on his SME construction business.