Homes for Scotland warn red tape disadvantaging industry

CONSTRUCTION trade body Homes for Scotland today claimed the Scottish Government was putting the industry at a disadvantage by introducing too much red tape.

Responding to a consultation on energy-efficient buildings, the organisation said the plans would add up to £10,000 to the cost of building a home, putting jobs at risk.

Chief executive Philip Hogg said: “At a time when Westminster is slashing the costs of business in England through its ‘one in, two out’ rule, which specifies that every new regulation imposing a new financial burden on firms must be offset by reductions in red tape that will save double the amount, home builders in Scotland are facing increased costs and bureaucracy.

“The climate change agenda is being pushed through in these difficult times for an ultimately negligible benefit, which justifies neither the cost or wider risk to much needed homes and vital jobs.”

However, the head of Stewart Milne Timber Systems urged the industry and Government to work together to find cost-effective ways to contribute towards the drive for energy efficiency.

Alex Goodfellow commented: “The challenging financial climate is a key consideration for developers and local councils and the latest innovations in product development and building techniques can bring about significant financial savings and cash flow benefits as well as a reduction in carbon.”