“We clearly now have a prime minister with a difference in style, who’s more interested in the intrinsic value of government policy – rather than the way it’s presented,” said Timber Trade Federation chief executive John White.
As chancellor, Gordon Brown has had an impressive economic record, keeping inflation low and growing the economy.
Peter Latham, chairman of James Latham plc, didn’t think his appointment would have any immediate effect.
“As chancellor, Gordon Brown was well-known for his stealth taxes. I’d like to see him being more open when it comes to his role as prime minister,” he said.
Mr Brown has also been a strong supporter of the ‘green agenda’, unveiling a target in his last budget that by 2012 all new zero-carbon homes built and sold for under £500,000 would be exempt from stamp duty.
In fact, housing has been a consistent presence on his agenda – something the timber trade could well benefit from.
“It’s quite significant that, when Gordon Brown put together his new cabinet, the minister for housing, Yvette Cooper is allowed to attend cabinet meetings,” said Richard Lambert, chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation. “This indicates that he is very aware of the crisis in housing provision. It signals that he regards housing as a major issue that has to be resolved.”
Mr Lambert said the new prime minister’s goals should be to crack the issues of planning, availability of land and financing of social housing. “Housing has becoming unaffordable to the vast majority of people: he has to find a way to make housing affordable without disrupting the balance of the market,” he added.
Geoff Rhodes, marketing and business development director at Coillte Panel Products, agreed that housing – in particular sustainable housing – would be good for the industry.
“Mr Brown has already flagged up his intentions with sustainable housing,” he said. “This momentum is a strong opportunity for the timber trade, as we can can bring so many good solutions to the table. “We would hope that the government continues to sustain this momentum for affordable housing and regeneration.”
Other opportunities afforded by the government for timber centre around modern methods of construction, sustainable housing and the London Olympics.
“We also hope that interest rates don’t rise to the point where the economic momentum starts to falter,” said Mr Rhodes. “We hope the good management of the economy will continue and that Britain maintains its leadership position in Europe as a unique bridge between the Continent and the US.”
