The government announced this week the reshuffle of departments including the launch of a new department for Energy security and Net zero.
Kevin Wellman, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) commented, "On the face of it, the government's decision of splitting three departments into four seems to have merit. The new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero which is tasked with securing long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation is a bold step. It certainly reinforces the government's support for Net Zero. However, there is no doubt that much more needs to be done to address the skills shortages so as to achieve previously set Net Zero aspirations.
A casualty in the reshuffle appears to be the Industrial Strategy which UK industry and especially the built environment had devoted considerable time and attention to.
Rachel Maclean has been appointed the new housing minister, the 15th since 2010. The industry needs long-term decision-making to enable manufacturers to have the confidence to invest their time and money. With the next general election around the corner, it is essential that the government does its upmost to galvanise the industry. I look forward to being given the opportunity to provide CIPHE's guidance to ministers and civil servants."
The full press release from government can be found here