Ms Colette Bennett:

The Deputy asked how we might ramp up home building. We really need to start moving beyond concrete and moving towards new technologies. A construction technology centre was launched in July for the purpose of research and innovation on how we build. That is one aspect of what needs to be done. We had recommended the introduction of living labs like those in high-net-worth countries such as Saudi Arabia. It is about getting the experts in a room to thrash out what needs to be done and to make the right models so that we can choose appropriately and procure appropriately. In that vein, we also need to look at our procurement processes so that we are driving down costs. Rather than it being a disparate group of builders and developers, we need to create a procurement mechanism where we take the advantage of buying in bulk where that can be done. Certain measures can indeed be taken.

Earlier Deputy Boyd Barrett mentioned the introduction of apprenticeships and qualifications. We advocate for that in the construction sector. We need onsite learning along with in-class learning whether that is remote or in-person to build on the knowledge of those new technologies that are desperately needed. That would also go towards our environmental goals. There are things that can be done that do not rely on concrete or on single builds which could make a difference in ramping up capacity.

The Deputy also spoke about a landlord exodus. The difficulty with that is that some landlords have not taken it on as being a business. They do not recognise that it is a job and something that needs regulation. There need to be supports on that for landlords and also for tenants to benefit from that.