Kevin Hollinrake MP met constituent Daniel Gath in Westminster as they attended a meeting of the Communities and Local Government Committee. Mr. Gath, Managing Director of Daniel Gath Homes, was invited by Mr. Hollinrake to give evidence to a session on Monday 21st November.
The Communities and Local Government Committee launched an inquiry earlier this year into the capacity of the housebuilding industry to meet demand for new homes. Daniel Gath Homes have built houses around the York area and in the MP’s Thirsk and Malton Constituency. They build about 35-40 houses a year, mainly family homes on sites of about 5 to 15 units. This was a rare opportunity for a business to speak to MPs about their work and experiences.
The Communities and Local Government Committee questioned small and medium-sized enterprise homebuilders and representatives from custom and self-builders, as well as companies using off-site construction methods, as part of its inquiry. Being discussed were challenges encountered by these businesses, including local planning, policy, land, and finances. They were also asked whether current Government policies are doing enough to support non-volume homebuilders.
Mr. Hollinrake, who is a member of the CLG Committee, was pleased to hear the views of Mr. Gath at the meeting and he hopes that the information will enable such businesses to be better supported. “I am a passionate advocate of small business and it was good to hear the experiences of such a business in my constituency. It is important that MPs listen to what SMEs in the housebuilding industry have to say in order to get a clear picture of what Government can do to improve our support for these smaller enterprises. We need more homes, in the right locations and of the right type to meet growing demand. I thank Daniel for his time and am sure his expertise was of great use to those attending.”