King’s Speech confirms growth as the Government’s primary focus
2 min read
The Labour Government has not been shy in putting growth at the centre of its aspirations and the King’s Speech reinforced that. Planning reform, devolution, clean energy and attracting investment topped the speech, with reforms to the leasehold system, NHS, police powers and public transport also taking centre stage.
Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said:
“It is refreshing to have a government which views its primary role as enabling growth and removing barriers because this ensures business and communities know they can be part of the strategy.
The continued focus on planning reform should also be applauded because it has been almost a century since any government understood its role in enabling business growth, better places and a healthier, well-functioning society. It does feel as though country is being put before party.”
Forty bills including draft bills will be brought forward, with a focus on ‘growing the economy through speeding up the building of houses and infrastructure, improving transport, creating more jobs and securing clean, green energy.’
The Government also announced an intention to reform the apprenticeship levy and set up ‘Skills England’, whose remit will be to ensure we have the highly skilled workforce the nation needs.
Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight at the NFB, said:
“The NFB has been lobbying for apprenticeship levy reform for some time, so we are delighted the King’s Speech agrees with our recommendation.
We hope to also help the Government recognise that their planning reforms are vital to ensure Skills England meets its ambition. In construction, 90% of training capacity is delivered by SMEs, who also train 7 in 10 apprentices. Yet smaller builders only build 9% of homes and the largest contractors (Tier 1), dominate the procurement process.
Without ensuring planning and procurement reform enables SMEs, the nation’s main trainers and retainers, workers will not have sustainable, local employment opportunities and Skills England will not be able deliver its imperative ambitions.”
