The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has called on the government to introduce common standards for the adoption of roads, saying inconsistent approaches by public authorities and rising costs are making it “impossible for businesses to plan and deliver housing”.

The HBF today published findings from Freedom of Information Act responses obtained from 70 highways authorities showing the cost per highway bond – the financial guarantee local councils demand of developers to ensure the road is built to the agreed standards – has increased by 700% since 2017. The highest value has increased tenfold.