Would the Conservatives' plan make new houses £50,000 cheaper?
The UK Conservative Party claims that cutting housing regulations could reduce new home prices by £50,000. However, experts warn that these cuts could lead to higher long-term costs for infrastructure and energy efficiency.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the tension between housing affordability and the long-term costs of environmental and infrastructure standards.
By Ben Chu Policy and analysis correspondent, BBC Verify Published 25 minutes ago Conservative shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith has said his party, if it was returned to power, would take £50,000 off the cost of building a new home in England and Wales by cutting back on regulations.
The £50,000 figure claimed by Griffith reflects estimates by the housebuilding industry of the costs of new regulations and taxes.
However, construction and housing experts warn that some of the savings could ultimately lead to higher government spending on schools, roads, and affordable housing.
And some analysts also warn the Conservative plans to scrap environmental regulations could potentially push up household energy bills in future.
The Conservatives argue a number of regulations are adding to the cost of constructing and delivering new private homes.
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