Following on from launch of the Construction Playbook by the Cabinet Office in December, the Government’s 2021 Budget announced today reiterates plans to reform and modernise the way that construction work is carried out by increasing the use of modern methods of construction.

With the UK’s housing shortage still very much on the agenda and the push towards building safety and net zero targets developing momentum, the new Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Taskforce announced today as part of the Budget is intended to accelerate the delivery of homes built in the UK by using MMC.

MMC is a term that covers a wide variety of modern construction techniques including offsite manufacturing and onsite techniques to drive efficiencies. 

Working closely with local authorities and Mayoral Combined Authorities, the MMC Taskforce to be set up by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will consist of world-leading experts from across government and industry to fast-track the adoption of modern methods of construction.

The potential benefits of MMC for building new homes at pace and helping to achieve the Government’s Net Zero and building safety targets in the Built Environment cannot be underestimated. Homes England has already issued a number of initiatives using MMC.

Today’s announcement is therefore to be welcomed. However, with only £10m seed funding announced, it is likely that much more will be needed for the public sector to truly drive this initiative forward.