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[December 2005]
Little Positive in Pre-Budget Report, Says CPA
The Construction Products Association (CPA) said it found little positive for the construction industry in the Pre-Budget Report Commenting on the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Statement, the CPA's Chief Executive Michael Ankers said:
"Whilst the Pre-Budget Report avoided announcing any significant tax increases that would affect our industry, there was little positive news for the industry. Although the Government gave a positive gloss to its response to the Barker Review, the scale of additional housing that is proposed is much less than Kate Barker had recommended and we remain to be convinced that the mechanisms will achieve what is proposed.
"On the environmental issues, there was no attempt to resolve the issues highlighted by the Association in respect of the Climate Change Levy and the EU Emissions Trade Survey, and it was particularly disappointing that the Government did not respond positively to the Association's proposal for helping to improve the energy efficiency of the existing housing stock.
"We welcome the Chancellor's appointment of Kate Barker to lead an investigation into the ineffectiveness of the planning system. Our concern is that we have had a number of reviews that have failed to deliver the results that industry needs. It is to be hoped that this Government will respond positively to her findings."
ENDS