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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Planning overhaul to reach 1.5 million new homes, published on 12 December 2024, what assessment her Department has made on the adequacy of capacity within the construction sector to deliver that target.

The government recognises the need to expand and upskill the construction workforce to meet our ambitious Plan for Change milestone of delivering 1.5 million homes in this Parliament.

We are working with industry to boost skills and support employers. We have announced a £140 million package of industry investment that will deliver 5,000 more apprenticeship places as well as apprenticeship reforms that will enable up to 10,000 more apprentices to qualify per year, including in construction.