BRE response to government’s Spending Review

BRE's Managing Director, Building Performance Services & Deputy CEO, Jane Goddard, commented:

“We strongly welcome the government’s commitment to delivering built environment initiatives that align with its core missions—driving economic growth, improving public health, reducing regional inequalities, and accelerating progress toward net-zero.

“By safeguarding the Warm Homes Plan, the government has rightly recognised that investing in our existing housing stock is not only a climate imperative but also a health and economic one. This initiative supports green job creation, lowers household energy bills, and enhances the long-term resilience of our homes.

“BRE’s research has shown that poor housing costs the NHS an estimated £1.4 billion annually. Protecting and expanding retrofit programmes is therefore essential to reducing this burden and improving health outcomes—especially for vulnerable populations.

“With over half of English homes now meeting the EPC C standard, we commend the progress made. However, it is vital that government continues to work with local authorities and industry to target the homes most in need of effective support.

“The government is making a major investment in affordable housing. Any new homes need to deliver benefits for residents in line with current built environment standards - including lower running costs, low carbon design, healthy indoor environments, and long-term resilience to risks from a changing climate. Advances in construction technologies can help deliver homes that meet these criteria, rapidly and affordably, and government can set parameters for delivery of these standards through regulations, funding criteria and guidance to builders.

“BRE looks forward to continuing our work in support of government to deliver the best outcomes for the built environment—ensuring healthier, warmer, and more sustainable homes for all."