Housebuilding review launched

Housebuilding firm Taylor Wimpey has launched a review into UK homeownership on behalf of Labour Party shadow housing minister John Heaney.

Housebuilding firm Taylor Wimpey has launched a review into UK homeownership on behalf of Labour Party shadow housing minister John Heaney.

The review, dubbed the ‘Redfern Review’, will be carried out by Pete Redfern, chief executive of housebuilding firm Taylor Wimpey with an expert panel which comprises of ex-Monetary Policy Committee member Kate Barker and former managing director of mortgages at Barclays Andy Gray.

It will look at the causes behind declining homeownership including first-time buyer constraints and homeownership in later life. The review sets out to publish fresh ideas on how to solve the problem.

Aldermore group managing director of mortgages Charles Haresnape reckoned the review, which pledged to introduce "fresh ideas" on how to solve housebuilding issues, must be radical rather than tinkering round the edges.

He said: “Reviews of housing are always welcome but it is important that we see some positive outcomes in terms of activity on the back of this. Housing policy has become a key political issue over the past couple of years and I think many of the issues facing homeowners and housebuilders have already been highlighted.

“I hope this review will put the focus firmly back on all aspects of home construction and in particular the role of SME builders. We need to be radical not tinker round the edges.”