The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) said overall the budget looked good for the plumbing and heating industry.

It noted the £24bn earmarked for “a multi-year housing settlement” with £11.5bn of the funding for 180,000 new affordable homes, with brown field sites targeted for new housing.

However, CIPHE also focused on skills and training investment of the budget, with £1.6bn over three years dedicated to roll out T-levels for 16 to 19-year-olds.

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In addition, Government also announced £2.8 billion capital investment so young people and adults can learn in high-quality facilities, establish Institutes of Technology across England, and raise the condition of further education colleges in England.

In addition, there will be a total investment of £554 million by 2024-25 to increase retraining and upskilling opportunities for adults.

CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) Kevin Wellman commented: “The Chancellor has built on previous announcements around the Prime Minister’s lifetime skills guarantee and further funding for apprenticeships, by focussing on T-Levels and building new Institutes of Technology.”

He highlighted the £3.9 billion investment to decarbonise buildings, including £1.8 billion to support low-income households to make the transition to net zero while reducing their energy bills.

“It is encouraging to see the Chancellor investing in vocational and adult education, especially when we are on the cusp of having to upskill engineers for the move to low carbon heating.

“However, I implore government to work more closely with the CIPHE to ensure that training from T-Levels to technological enhancement is fit for purpose.

“As ever, we would urge government to push further to help SMEs in developing the next generation of the workforce.”

Wellmann pointed to the investment in new housing as helping the plumbing and heating industry: “Overall, the budget looks good for the industry, with funding for new housing and confirmation of investment to make homes and buildings warmer and more environmentally friendly.

“I sincerely hope that the shortage of adequately skilled installers does not prevent the Chancellor’s aspirations coming to fruition.”

Looking at how the budget may help the supply issues, Wellmann pointed to the £200million funding for eight Freeports in England: “It is hoped that there will be long term benefits to the supply chain with the confirmation of eight freeports in England with more to come in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

“However, this will not deliver the urgent solution required regarding the availability of essential plumbing and heating industry materials as we head into the winter months.

Wellmann concluded: “For consumers, it is encouraging to see government intervention for low income families, with the introduction of the £421 million Household Support Fund.

“There will be many vulnerable people struggling with high fuel bills, having to make the stark decision between eating or heating this winter. It’s vital that help and support is available for those who need it.”

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association also welcomed the budget which it said provided “encouraging” market opportunity but stated it missed an opportunity to reduce carbon in homes through home upgrades.