A vibrant northern economy must be built on homes that give us strong foundations

For the North of England to fulfil its potential as an economic and social powerhouse, housing will be the foundation of our success, and action from businesses and government cannot wait. Working in partnership with leading law firm Freeths, the CBI have identified the northern housing issues that matter most to business in a new report published, The Future of Northern Housing.

A series of extended discussions with senior business leaders from across the North found the following key concerns that must be addressed if the region is to have the housing it needs and deserves: 

• Like the rest of the UK, there is a real need for more housing in many areas of the North, but just as important is the type of housing we are building – we need a better mix of sizes, locations and tenures
• House building strategies must be aligned with our infrastructure plans and economic priorities, to create flourishing places that attract people and businesses
• Underpinning this, we must confront the persistent problems facing northern house builders, most notably access to skills

The North’s housing is iconic, and has the potential to be a real asset. The devolution agenda, the Northern Powerhouse, and the commitment demonstrated by house builders and the wider business community to tackling the challenges mean there is now a real opportunity to create homes that fit all needs, through genuine partnership.

Michelle Hubert, CBI Head of Infrastructure, said: “For the North to be a great place to work, it has to be a great place to live, and that makes affordable, appropriate and attractive housing a key business concern. At the moment too many areas can’t offer the housing our people need, whether that’s a city centre flat, an affordable rented home or somewhere to buy in the suburbs. More must be done to respond to the North’s need for a wide range of tenures, and more homes overall.

“Effective partnership between the public and private sectors is vital. Making the most of the assets we have, and developing places primed for growth, gives us the building blocks for prosperity across the North.”

Rachael Yates, Partner at Freeths, said: “Freeths are proud to have been working alongside the CBI and other local businesses in order to unlock the potential of the Northern Powerhouse. As a firm, Freeths provides a full legal service to all areas of construction, real estate, planning and environmental sectors. We look forward to seeing the development of the North in the coming years.”