The King's Speech

Date: 23/07/2024

King’s Speech has a main focus on housing and infrastructure

The ceremonial speech delivered by King Charles, delivered on Thursday 17th June, the first of Kier Starmers premiership, set out the legislation aimed at meeting Number 10’s pledge to “build more housing and infrastructure”.
The new government has revealed plans in the King’s Speech for a “mission-led” drive to create economic growth and jobs – creating clear opportunities for the construction industry.

It took the king just 12 minutes, to deliver 35 forthcoming bills, setting out in plans that could amount to the biggest boost to the sector in generations. Something which Readyfix welcomes.
“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,” the King’s Speech said.

There was also an exciting pledge to ensure stability and secure economic growth, plus a promise to create “a new relationship with business and working people”.
Although good news for firms battered by more than a decade of uncertainty, there will be questions on how the people, funding and materials will be found to deliver the government’s ambitions.

The legislation proposed in the King’s Speech covered:
• A new industrial strategy council
• Duty for mayors and government to collaborate.
• Employment rights and equal pay
• High-speed rail
• Planning and infrastructure
• Reform of the apprenticeship levy

The overarching theme in the King’s Speech was driving growth throughout the UK and the English regions. The Greater Manchester blueprint is likely to be reused.

Henri Murison, chief executive of Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “This growth is a result of transfers of powers and funding to build the tram to towns like Bury in Greater Manchester, the net zero boom in offshore wind on the Humber and better cross-Pennine links, which could help further if extended properly to cities like Bradford. These limited advances so far have all depended on places taking back control, now we need more of that.”

Readyfix welcomes the announcements, and we look forward to seeing a booming industry in upcoming years.