If the government needed further proof that house building is in crisis, then the new report published by the Home Builders Federation provides it: construction of new homes in England is due to fall to its lowest level since World War II, with the supply of new housing likely to fall below 120,000 homes annually over the coming years – less than half of the numbers required. This was further underlined by new data showing house building activity fell for the third month in a row in February.

But not only does the UK not have enough homes, the majority of homes it does have are incredibly energy inefficient. As we strive to meet net zero targets, that level of underperformance is not sustainable.

So with the Budget being delivered on 15 March, what better time for the chancellor to address both these issues?