More homes, relaxed planning, energy efficient refurbs, more training – glazers vote on government wish list
12th May 2015

Businesses from across the glass and glazing supply chain have set out their priorities for the new government, with an emphasis on new housing, planning laws and skills initiatives in a survey of PILKINGTON UNITED KINGDOM LIMITED customers.

Of the respondents, 20% said a long-term plan for construction of new homes was the top priority, followed by 15% calling for a further relaxation in the planning laws for minor alterations to properties.

One in seven (14%) said improving the energy efficiency of existing housing stock by incentivising home owners and landlords was their main concern, while support for education and training schemes to inject vital skills into the industry were singled out by 13%.

Other priorities named were commercial construction projects (12%) and large-scale infrastructure investment (6%).

Andy McDowell, commercial director at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited said: “This is a critical time for the glass and glazing industry, with confidence beginning to return to spending in many areas.

“It’s vital that the new government does everything it can to ensure these trends continue, and our customers clearly believe that building new homes, upgrading existing housing stock and injecting skills into the industry will play a central role in this.

“From the discussions I’ve had with businesses across the supply chain, there is an anticipation of a return to growth, and I hope the new government, of whichever colour or colours it turns out to be, will do what it needs to do to support our industry’s ambitions.”

www.pilkington.co.uk