Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the (a) cost, (b) environmental and (c) build-time benefits of modular housing build.

My Department has not carried out a comprehensive assessment on these issues.

Research into particular topics may include consideration of modern methods of construction if relevant to the subject of the research.

It is however well recognised that new technology and innovation has improved productivity, quality and choice across a range of sectors and we are keen to see the same happen in housing. The Government is aware of numerous industry reports which indicate that the use of Modern Methods Of Construction (MMC) in housebuilding, including modular construction for, has the potential to deliver a range of benefits.

There is an opportunity for housebuilders to embrace MMC and take advantage of new technologies to deliver good quality new-build homes more quickly, with the potential to deliver more energy efficient homes to buyers, improve site efficiencies and reduce waste.

That is why the Housing White Paper specifically talks about specific measures to stimulate the growth of modern methods of construction, including modular construction and smart techniques. For instance, on top of providing financial support to builders, we are creating a pipeline of opportunities in the sector and have set up a MMC working group to look at addressing barriers to assurance, insurance and finance for MMC homes.

The group has been exploring a range of opportunities to increase confidence in homes manufactured using these methods to support the uptake of off-site manufacturing technologies across the housing market.