AUDIO NEWS: Building costs set to rise, consumers want more subsidies and tradesman wins his case

Building costs are due to skyrocket 15% over the next five years – that’s according to BCIS’ latest five-year industry forecast. 

Its second quarter report also said that overall construction output is expected to fall by five and a half percent this year. 

Growth is expected to return to the market in 2025, with total new work output rising by 20% by Q2 2029.

Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said “Construction activity will… be influenced by the outcome of the general election and future spending plans, though all parties have committed to increased house building and using infrastructure as a lever for growth.”

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Nearly 90% of consumers want greater government support to invest in renewable energy sources, claims a recent report from Solar Together.

The survey of 1,000 people also found that recent hikes in energy prices, the cost-of-living crisis and a concern for the environment were behind recent solar panel investments.

35% of respondents who hadn’t installed solar panels, claimed they planned to fit t hem within the next five years.

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A tradesman from Maldon has been awarded a six-figure compensation payout after contracting mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. 

David Lawrence, now 79, was exposed while working for John Sadd & Sons where he had worked cutting asbestos into strips for 12 months in 1961. 

While working in the cutting yard, David was not given any protective equipment by his employers.

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