The King’s speech is the opportunity for a new Government to set out their stall and lay before Parliament a programme of legislation that the new Government intends to pursue in this parliamentary session.
The speech set down that “Securing economic growth will be a fundamental mission” and it is clear that the new Government do recognise the importance of construction in this, particularly housebuilding with the King adding “My Ministers will get Britain building, including through planning reform, as they seek to accelerate the delivery of high quality infrastructure and housing”. Whilst this doesn’t differ greatly from statements made by successive governments, it is encouraging to see it balanced with recognition that “They will also pursue sustainable growth by encouraging investment in industry, skills and new technologies.” To unlock growth we to review of how procurement is managed to support investment. Successive Government have demanded Industry does, if this Government fails to listen and act this will be more empty wishes – we can’t deliver without the right support from the top.
The Speech heralds the arrival of new Construction Minister Sarah Jones MP – the revolving door of Construction Ministers has not helped support consistency in policy and regulation (5 in 10 years is not evidence of the commitment to construction that we need!).
Another notable appointment is that Angela Rayner Deputy Prime Minister is confirmed as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government an takes charge of the re-named Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) and will be overseeing the development of the Building Safety Act and corresponding Building and Construction Products Regulations.
In terms of further details, Bills that particularly impact the finishes and interiors sector are:
- Planning and Infrastructure Bill ‐ The Bill will speed up and streamline the planning process to build more homes of all tenures and accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure projects.
- Skills England Bill ‐ Establishing ‘Skills England’, a new partnership centred around employers designed to ensure the supply of skills, as well as reforming the Apprenticeship Levy.
- English Devolution Bill ‐ Giving new powers to metro mayors and combined authorities to support local growth plans.
Read the Full Script of the Kings Speech here
The FIS will be working closely with specialist construction bodies and using our Manifesto: Blueprint for Better Construction to advise the Construction Minister and new MPs on the levers and opportunities to improve construction.