The Biggest Building Boom in a Generation: How the Government is Tackling the Housing Crisis

The UK’s Housing Crisis: Could This Be the Turning Point?

Let’s face it—the housing crisis in the UK has dragged on for far too long. Homes are in short supply, prices are sky-high, and for many, getting a foot on the ladder feels impossible. But that could be about to change.

The government has just announced what it’s calling the biggest building boom in a generation—a plan to build 1.5 million new homes, overhaul the planning system, and invest over £600 million into training new construction workers.

It’s a bold move. And if it works, it could genuinely shift the dial—not just for homebuyers and renters, but also for thousands of people looking to start or grow a career in construction.

Why the UK Housing Crisis Has Reached Breaking Point

This crisis didn’t appear overnight. In fact, it’s the result of years of underbuilding, rising demand, and a sluggish planning system. These issues have left thousands of families without a stable home.

As a result, young people are struggling to move out, families are squeezed into small flats, and the number of people stuck in temporary housing keeps climbing.

No wonder Angela Rayner, now Deputy PM and Housing Minister, is calling this “the biggest building boom in a generation”. Frankly, it’s long overdue.

Government’s Response to the Housing Crisis: What’s in the Plan?

So, what exactly is being proposed?

• 1.5 million new homes built across the UK
• A Planning and Infrastructure Bill designed to cut red tape
• £600 million to train 60,000 new construction workers
• Ten new Technical Colleges focused on hands-on training
• More Skills Bootcamps for career changers and school leavers
• Foundation Apprenticeships launching in August 2025

Altogether, this plan aims to fix more than just housing—it’s about creating jobs, building skills, and finally taking serious steps to ease the housing crisis.

Fixing the Construction Skills Shortage Behind the Housing Crisis

Of course, you can’t build homes without builders. And right now, the UK construction industry faces a huge skills gap. According to the Office for National Statistics, there are more than 35,000 vacancies—and many employers can’t find qualified workers.

This is where Safe2Site steps in. Their Online CSCS Green Card Course gives people a simple, accredited way to get qualified for site work. Because it’s online and flexible, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to get started quickly without sitting in a classroom.

And for those ready to take the next step, Safe2Site Supervision Training offers a CITB-recognised alternative to the SSSTS course. It’s tailored for aspiring site supervisors and covers everything from leadership to on-site safety—delivered entirely online, at your own pace.

Thanks to options like these, training is no longer a barrier for people looking to join or progress in construction.

How Solving the Housing Crisis Could Help Renters and Buyers

Increasing housing supply should, over time, bring prices down. That’s great news for first-time buyers who’ve been priced out of the market for years. It could also mean more rental options—especially in overcrowded urban areas.

Beyond affordability, there’s another benefit: better infrastructure. As new homes go up, so will new schools, roads, and transport links. This could improve quality of life for existing communities while easing pressure on stretched public services.

And for families stuck in temporary housing? A safe, permanent home might finally be within reach.

Tackling the Housing Crisis by Creating Jobs and Growing the Economy

Let’s not forget—this isn’t just about homes. It’s also about employment. Construction already supports over two million jobs in the UK. With this building boom, demand for workers, materials, and logistics is only going to grow.

Mark Reynolds, Executive Chair of Mace and Co-Chair of the Construction Skills Mission Board, called the reforms “fantastic news”. He’s right—they show the government is serious about working with the industry.

Notably, smaller builders, suppliers, and tradespeople will benefit too. And for people looking to start a career? Courses like Safe2Site’s Online CSCS Green Card Course and Online SSSTS Alternative are opening the door.

Be Part of the Solution to the UK Housing Crisis

If the UK is going to tackle the housing crisis, it needs skilled workers—and fast. Whether you’re switching careers or just starting out, now is the time to get qualified.

👉 Get site-ready with Safe2Site’s Online CSCS Green Card Course, or step into site supervision with Safe2Site Supervision Training – the Online SSSTS Alternative.

Fully accredited. Flexible. Designed to help you start strong.

The building boom is here. Don’t just watch it happen—be part of it.