Read below for details and insight into the newly elected Labour Party’s proposed key policies that will affect the construction sector.
The construction industry will be central to the delivery of many of Labour’s manifesto commitments which include new housing targets, transport infrastructure and the creation of a National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority to oversee a ten year strategy.
Labour plans to develop a ten year infrastructure strategy which will guide investment plans and give the private sector clarity on the project pipeline. The infrastructure strategy will align with the industrial strategy. Find out more about the industrial strategy on our focus on: business and the economy page.
Labour will also create a new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority which will set priorities and oversee the design, scope and delivery of projects.
Road maintenance will be improved, and the phase-out date for sales of new cars with internal combustion engines will be restored to 2030. The railways will be returned to public ownership under a new body, Great British Railways. There will be new powers for local authorities to create integrated local transport systems.
There will be continued focus on increasing housing delivery, with a commitment to build 1.5 million new homes over the lifetime of the next parliament, while prioritising brownfield sites and preserving greenfield ones. There is, however, an intention to take a more strategic approach to greenbelt land, with a recognition that not all greenbelt land is the same and that some lower quality greenbelt may be appropriate for development – known as grey belt land.
Labour states that it will take decisive action to improve building safety, including through regulation.
Tim Heal
Partner, Head of Real Estate Division and Chair of Ashfords LLP
+44 (0)1392 333814 t.heal@ashfords.co.uk View more
