Call for evidence

The Callcutt Review welcomes the submission of evidence in relation to its terms of reference, and specifically on the questions set out below. Submissions should, so far as possible, be structured around these questions, and should include a one-page summary.

  • What published or private sources of information are used by housebuilders, suppliers, analysts and others to determine current and future demand for housing, in terms of volume, type, price and location, and over the near, medium and longer term?
  • Does the prevailing business model of the housebuilding industry constrain how it responds to demand? Is that model evolving or likely to evolve to meet changing patterns of demand? What would encourage a shift towards greater responsiveness?
  • What are the alternatives to the prevailing business model? What are the constraints on the development of those alternative models, and what advantages might accrue from the development of other models?
  • To what extent is the housebuilding industry exposed to competitive pressures? Are there barriers to competition, including to new entrants? If so, what might be done to reduce or remove these barriers?
  • To what extent is the volume and responsiveness of housebuilding constrained by limits in the supply of capital (including land), labour, skills or materials? Is this likely to change as a result of sustainability or other constraints? What steps might be taken to mitigate any effects?
  • What constitutes good quality in housebuilding? To what extent is the housebuilding industry, as currently structured, well adapted to deliver well designed, good quality homes? What steps might be taken to improve quality?
  • To what extent is sustainability, in any sense, a factor in the choices made either by housebuilders, suppliers and other providers, or by housebuyers? What impact is being achieved by the Code for Sustainable Homes and the agenda set out in the Government’s consultation document “Building a Greener Future: Towards Zero Carbon Development”?
  • There is a clear public interest in the operation of a free market, in securing an adequate supply of new homes, and in sustainability. How, and how far, does the housebuilding industry respond to considerations of public interest? What public policy instruments are available to influence the performance of the industry, and how effective are they?

Contributions should be submitted to the Review Team at the address below, not later than Friday 20 April 2007, and should include contact details.

The full text or the summaries of evidence may be published on the Review website (www.callcuttreview.co.uk) unless contributors specifically request otherwise. The Review is subject to Freedom of Information legislation and all contributions may be subject to release.

Callcutt Review
Suite 201, 2nd Floor
Portland House
Stag Place
London
SW1E 5RS
United Kingdom

Email: info@callcuttreview.co.uk

9 March 2007