Property Done Properly: Government Must Prioritize Repair and Maintenance Despite Economic Challenges

In a challenging economic climate, where uncertainty looms and the nation approaches an election, the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) sheds light on a crucial sector that demands attention - the Repairs and Maintenance (R&M) industry. The BCIS forecasts a 7% fall in R&M output for 2024, recovering in 2025 and beyond. However, the economic backdrop remains uncertain, and recent inflation has significantly impacted existing maintenance budgets across all sectors, particularly in the public domain.

Dr. David Crosthwaite, the Chief Economist at BCIS, asserts that the impending decline in the R&M sector cannot be allowed to transpire, as urgent issues demand immediate attention. R&M plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of our buildings, creating environments conducive to living, working, and flourishing. As the election year unfolds, a call resounds for all major political parties to prioritize R&M. Dr. Crosthwaite urges the current government to fulfill its promises and allocate funds while emphasizing the need for investment in green-collar skills to ensure a proficient workforce.

In 2023, few sectors escaped the negative impacts of high borrowing and low consumer demand. Housing, in particular, faced challenges due to inflationary pressures and high mortgage rates. Surprisingly, R&M stood out as a resilient sector, boasting a growth rate exceeding 6%, according to the BCIS forecast.

The BCIS lays down key areas that political parties should prioritize in their manifestos, emphasizing the need to allocate funds accordingly. Topping the list is the swift and comprehensive addressing of health, safety, and energy-efficiency concerns in social housing. However, the BCIS cautions that competing demands might constrain funds available for day-to-day repair and maintenance. It urges the government to prioritize measures making existing homes more environmentally friendly, citing the recent allocation of ￡16 million for energy-saving measures and sustainability initiatives under the Green Home Finance Accelerator program.

Despite recent government proposals to expedite the planning process, a stark lack of skills in energy-efficient retrofitting across planning authorities is highlighted. A mere 16% of local authority staff feels "very confident" in this area, as per a survey from Historic England. This underscores the urgent need for a skilled and trained workforce to future-proof our buildings.

The RAAC concrete crisis presents an imminent cost impact across the public sector, affecting vital institutions like hospitals and schools. Simultaneously, the government announces plans to decarbonize the entire education estate. The growing to-do list for the Department for Education (DfE), coupled with pressing remediation needs, emphasizes the necessity of allocating funds to non-residential and public R&M in the current year.

As businesses strive to bring their workforces back to the office, the BCIS warns that there is an increasing need to consider how they can improve the quality of the working environment. The tightening of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations adds further pressure to enhance Energy Performance Certifications (EPC) ratings. This move not only aligns with government requirements but also meets the expectations of customers and employees who place a growing emphasis on green credentials.

In conclusion, the government's commitment to addressing the urgent issues in the R&M sector is crucial for the overall well-being of our built environment. As the BCIS rightly advocates, in the face of economic challenges and uncertainty, prioritizing repair and maintenance is not just a necessity but a strategic investment in creating sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly spaces for the present and the future. As we navigate through an election year, let us urge our political leaders to recognize the significance of property done properly.

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Ian J. Rogers

With a track record of delivering successful projects, I offer consultancy services that drive a project’s success. I also can provide training, coaching and mentoring.

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