Local MP, Helen Goodman, is calling on the Government to listen to public concern over the quality of new housing when announcing the outcome of its Housing Standards Review of new homes in England.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of new consumer research and back national minimum space and light standards for new homes ahead of the Government’s Housing Standards Review.

Consumer research by Ipsos MORI, commissioned by the RIBA, highlights the public’s concern on the quality of new build homes in England.

The survey reveals that the most common reasons people in new homes are considering moving or making changes to their home are lack of space (32%), lack of natural light (20%) and high energy bills (49%) among the most cited causes of dissatisfaction. 80% of those surveyed stated they would be more likely to choose a home with minimum space standards.

Since the abolition of minimum space standards in 1980, the average size of new homes across England has dramatically decreased. Research by the RIBA in 2011 showed that the average three bedroom home in England was missing the equivalent of a single bedroom compared to basic space standards, and that only 1 in 4 people would consider buying a new home.

In the North East region, the average 3 bedroom home is 8m2 below the minimum space standards currently in place in London – the equivalent of a single bedroom.

The campaign is calling for the Government to:

• Set minimum space standards for all new homes, regardless of their location, tenure or how they are funded.

• Set minimum requirements on natural light for all new homes, regardless of their location, tenure or how they are funded.

• Introduce product labelling for all homes so that everyone can make more informed decisions when choosing a home.

Helen Goodman MP said “At present, many of the new homes built in the England are not up to scratch. This is why I am supporting the RIBA’s Without Space+Light campaign.

Our homes act as hubs for our busy lives and should provide space to relax with our family, a place where children can do their homework and somewhere to store basic household appliances. Many new-build homes fall short of these simple asks.

The Housing Standards Review is an opportunity for Government to put words into action and deliver on its promise to improve housing quality.”

Job-hunters will get the chance to gain tips on securing the jobs of the future at an event later this week. Dr Stan Higgins, CEO of the North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) is the latest addition to the line up at this Friday’s Bishop Auckland Jobs Fair.

Dr Higgins will deliver a talk on the skills needed to gain employment in the growing North East process industry, which is predicted will take on in excess of 16,000 apprentices and graduates over the next 10 -15 years.

The process industry offers an enormous variety of jobs across a number of sectors including chemicals, polymers, pharmaceuticals, engineering, renewable energy and materials. But it is not only technical jobs on offer as the industry also has a requirement for business management roles including finance, human resources and marketing.

Dr Higgins will join other organisations such as Bishop Auckland College, National Apprenticeship Service and County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, who will be available to provide information on careers and current vacancies across a whole range of industries including healthcare, retail, business administration, legal and rural.

The Jobs Fair will be held on Friday 15th March between 10am and 2pm at Bishop Auckland College. Entry is free and the event will be opened at 10.15am by the Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans.

Helen Goodman, Labour MP for Bishop Auckland said:

“I am delighted that Dr Higgins can join us to give people the benefit of his experience. The chemical industry is an established yet growing sector of the North East economy and with more than 16,000 jobs up for grabs over the next decade, it’s vital that we are looking to develop the skills that our workforce will need whether you are an apprentice or a graduate looking for a well-paid and skilled job.”

Dr. Stan Higgins, NEPIC CEO commented on his participation:

“I am pleased to be able to inform our local communities about the routes that continue to be open to some of the best paid jobs in our economy. All industries that utilise science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM) skills are desperately short of qualified engineers and scientists.

He continued: “There will be a shortfall in these skills for many years to come and this represents a huge opportunity for today’s young people who have the aptitude to gain qualifications in STEM subjects”.