Simon Storer of the Insulation Manufacturers Association warns that removing the Future Homes Standard creates uncertainty for UK housebuilding.
Political proposals to scrap the Future Homes Standard ahead of its planned implementation have drawn strong criticism from construction supply leaders. Simon Storer, Chief Executive of the Insulation Manufacturers Association, has warned that removing regulatory targets undermines industry investment and creates friction across the building materials supply chain.
The construction sector has spent years preparing for the roll-out of the Future Homes Standard, which aims to ensure new residential builds produce significantly lower carbon emissions. Material manufacturers have invested heavily in research, development, and scaling up production for high-performance insulation and energy-efficient building systems. Abrupt policy shifts leave manufacturers with unrecovered capital expenditure and make long-term forecasting difficult across the manufacturing sector.
What does this mean for a UK tradesperson or DIYer actually buying this kit — does it change what they should pay, buy, or watch out for? For smaller builders, joiners, and insulation installers sourcing materials from Travis Perkins, Jewson, or local merchants, regulatory flip-flopping creates immediate purchasing confusion. Stocking decisions at trade counters depend on upcoming building control requirements. If strict efficiency rules are delayed or scrapped, merchants may carry mixed inventories of standard and high-performance insulation boards, leading to potential price volatility. Builders should verify building control sign-off requirements for active projects before committing to specific insulation specs or buying bulk materials that may not meet shifting compliance standards.
Always base material purchases on currently active Building Regulations Approved Documents rather than proposed policy announcements. Check directly with local building control officers to confirm required U-values before purchasing insulation or wall systems for ongoing builds.
Reported by Housebuilder & Developer — original article
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