Bjorn Howard, Group chief executive responds to the Budget

“This Budget definitely contains some positives for housing. The 95% mortgage guarantee, an extension of the stamp duty holiday – are policies which show a government that is set on making housing and homeownership accessible to more people. On the latter, I urge the chancellor to ensure shared ownership buyers also benefit from the holiday.

“The housing industry should be encouraged by the attention paid to skills in the Budget. Endemic talent shortages have been an issue in the sector for a long time and, with many commentators expecting unemployment to rise, the industry must seize the initiative and take full advantage of the apprenticeship and traineeship support set out by Mr Sunak.

“While it’s positive the government has thrown its weight behind housing, it will amount to nothing unless we, as a sector, play our part as well, and adopt the collaborative approach required to provide the homes needed.”