Date published: 26 November 2025
“The Chancellor has rightly focused this Budget on tackling the cost of living. It is the necessary precursor to improving economic growth.
“So often that growth begins at home, and we need to build many more. The announcement of £48million for 350 new planners is a welcome step to unblock the system.
“Taken with the £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme announced earlier this year, the sector is well positioned to support the Government’s target of 1.5 million new homes.
“However, we would have liked to have seen the Warm Homes Plan published, as we know energy prices are one of the key factors impacting the cost of living for households across the country.
“We urge the Government to prioritise publishing the Warm Homes Plan as soon as possible, and to provide a long-term funding commitment of at least ten years. This stability is essential to unlock the supply chain investment needed for a sustainable, large-scale retrofit programme – one that cuts energy bills and eases pressure on the NHS by preventing illnesses caused by poor-quality homes.
“Stability in funding is vital. Not only does it allow us to build more homes, but it also helps us support existing customers feeling the strain of the economic climate.
"We also need to make sure investment reaches every community. Clear mechanisms are vital to address the housing crisis in rural areas, where the need is acute and delivery costs are high. We continue to ask the Treasury to ringfence a proportion of the Social and Affordable Homes Programme funding for rural locations where existing large-scale models simply do not work.
"Stonewater stands ready to work with the government to deliver these critical priorities. Success hinges on translating broad funding pledges into targeted, practical policy action."
