King’s Speech 2024 shows the built and natural environment centre of government’s plan

The King’s Speech 2024 marks the detailed start of the new government’s legislative programme.

Among the announcements by the King included 39 new Bills, ranging from planning to English devolution, renters and leasehold reform to infrastructure and skills.

The government’s agenda for the next Parliament includes significant reforms to the built and natural environment designed to address growing challenges with housing, energy security and sustainability and deliver greater well-being for consumers.

In addition, reforms to rail and bus ownership will take place, and a new Arbitration Bill is designed to strengthen a part of the sector essential to RICS dispute resolution. Notably, this King’s Speech does not include any reforms to business rates, something the government during the General Election indicated would be a key part of their support for high-streets and businesses.

Tina Paillet FRICS, President of RICS responded to the King’s Speech saying:

“It’s welcome that planning reforms sat at the heart of the 35 draft bills read out by King Charles today. Both housing and infrastructure are huge economic enablers; numerous studies have identified the positive correlation between GDP growth and infrastructure delivery.

“Today’s King’s Speech is yet another step in the right direction from Labour policymakers, who have pledged to “take the brakes off Britain” by introducing an ambitious legislative agenda which will get the UK building again, improve living standards, and help deliver the infrastructure to power a net-zero economy. The actions across these will need to be linked to ensure success, and as RICS professionals work across all these agendas, they will collectively provide expertise needed to progress these missions.

“The Skills England bill, which mirrors our calls for the creation of a cross-department skills taskforce responsible for identifying gaps and opportunities in the workforce, is also encouraging. Policymakers must address the skills shortage and support industry work in solving this issue, otherwise the UK will be unable to deliver on its 1.5 million homes a year target and £805 billion infrastructure pipeline.

“Underlining the need for holistic built environment policy, while we welcome the Renters Rights Bill to support tenants and drive-up standards, government needs to work with landlords to address affordability and supply. Our survey has already shown prices being pushed up due to lack of rental homes”.