11/07/2024
Labour leader and the UK’s new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced ambitious plans to kickstart housebuilding "from day one" of his party winning power, aiming to build 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament. This plan is designed to tackle the UK's housing shortage and stimulate economic growth, bringing major changes to the construction sector.
Labour's strategy includes reinstating mandatory housing targets, supporting sustainable development, and funding more planning officers. The extra officers will be funded by raising the stamp duty surcharge for non-UK residents. The party also plans to focus on developing "grey belt" land, which is often considered less desirable, to speed up building.
The plan includes creating new towns and changing rules regarding buying land to make the process fairer. Labour also wants to give combined authorities new planning powers and flexible housing grants to better address local needs.
Starmer’s vision goes beyond housing. Labour aims to set up an Industrial Strategy Council and create a £7.3 billion National Wealth Fund to support growth and clean energy. A 10-year infrastructure strategy will update national planning policies to help build laboratories and digital infrastructure.
The party will invest an extra £6.6 billion in its Warm Homes Plan to upgrade five million homes, improving energy efficiency and cutting carbon emissions. Labour also plans to extend Awaab’s Law to the private rental sector and end ‘bidding wars’ to protect renters and ensure fairer housing practices.
Labour promises to speed up planning for important infrastructure within six months of taking office. They will focus on areas like battery factories, laboratories, and 5G infrastructure. Labour hopes to make planning decisions faster by adding 300 new planning officers, funded by a higher stamp duty surcharge on non-UK residents. They will also provide clearer guidance for developers on engaging with local communities.
Nigel Jordan, CEO of Devine Group, shared his thoughts on Labour’s plans: "We are as passionate about quality Civil Engineering and Construction works as we were when the business was originally formed. Sustainability, community, and quality are all elements that define us. The extra support for planning and infrastructure is a welcome step forward for our industry."
These developments present significant opportunities for companies like Devine Group. The streamlined planning processes and additional support will enable construction firms to undertake more projects with greater efficiency and fewer bureaucratic delays. This environment fosters growth and innovation, allowing businesses to focus on delivering high-quality, sustainable construction solutions.
ABOUT DEVINE GROUP
Devine Group is a privately owned Group of Companies established in 1974. Every successful business needs a solid foundation to build from. In June 1974, the owner and Chairman, Mr Jim Devine, set out to build a group of companies based on a rock of financial stability. Minimal debt, cash reserves and an attitude to continually reinvest back into the business. Our core business elements are Infrastructure, Groundwork, Plant Hire, and Development.
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Devine Group is a privately owned Group of Companies established in 1974. Every successful business needs a solid foundation to build from. In June 1974 the owner and Chairman Mr. Jim Devine set out to build a group of companies based on a rock of financial stability. Minimal debt, cash reserves and an attitude to continually reinvest back into the business. Our core business elements are Infrastructure, Groundwork, Plant Hire, Development.
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