New government bills to boost housing and infrastructure

A plan by the new government to create economic growth and jobs was unveiled during the King’s Speech at the state opening of parliament on the 17 July. There will be a focus on building more housing and infrastructure, and investment in industry, skills and new technologies.

Before announcing a number of new bills, King Charles III said in his speech: “Ministers will get Britain building, including through planning reform, as they seek to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing. They will also pursue sustainable growth by encouraging investment in industry, skills and new technologies.”

Proposed bills include a planning and infrastructure bill, new legislation on rail infrastructure and employment rights & equal pay. The King also announced the establishment of an Industrial Strategy Council.

The details will become clearer in the autumn as parliament reopens, but the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ speech included a commitment for 1.5 million homes to be built over the next five years.

The amount of building material required should provide a significant boost to suppliers of construction products and merchants. But if the ambitious target for housebuilding is to be met, the severe skills shortage needs to be addressed. Thankfully the King’s Speech included a commitment to “invest in skills” and a proposed bill for reform of the apprenticeship levy.

At the end of July, the government named Sarah Jones as the new construction minister. She holds the official title of ‘Minister for Industry’.

The reactions from the construction industry have so far been generally positive. More detailed information on what the new bills will include and what the priorities of the new construction minister will be is expected after 2 September when parliament reopens.