As we eagerly await the start of the new parliamentary in September, now is a good time to reflect on what we can expect by way of future legislation.
On 17 July 2024, the King’s Speech marked the beginning of a new chapter in British politics, with Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government setting out its agenda for the next five years of Parliament.
Labour has now set the stage for a transformative period in UK government, aiming to tackle issues across five key areas: economic growth, the NHS, clean energy, safer streets, and equal opportunity.
Economic Growth and Fairness
Economic growth is at the forefront of Labour’s agenda that seeks to benefit all. The government is determined to “get Britain building” by addressing the housing crisis and infrastructure gaps through planning reforms. The establishment of a National Wealth Fund is key to this strategy, financing large-scale public investments in housing, transport, and renewable energy.
Labour has introduced a “fiscal lock,” a strict set of rules that enables the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to independently assess any substantial fiscal policy changes. This move is designed to maintain fiscal responsibility while allowing the government to pursue the goals it has set for itself.
Healthcare
While the details of the health-related Bills were not fully disclosed in the King’s Speech, it is clear that the government intends to address the long-standing issues with the NHS, having already offered a pay rise to junior doctors. With public services under strain with limited funds available, Labour faces the challenge of improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes without significantly increasing costs.
Climate Action
One of the standout proposals in the King’s Speech is the introduction of ‘Great British Energy,’ a publicly owned green energy firm. This initiative aims to decarbonise the nation’s power supply, positioning the UK as a leader in the fight against climate change. This move not only addresses environmental concerns but also aligns with Labour’s broader economic goals, as the clean energy sector is expected to create jobs and drive economic growth.
Aligning with its broader commitment to nationalise key services and drive a sustainable future, Labour also plans to transition passenger railways from private to public ownership establishing ‘Great British Railways.’ This initiative could potentially reduce fees, encouraging more people to choose public transport, reinforcing the commitment to green initiatives.
Safer Streets and Policing
The King’s Speech outlined the creation of a Border Security Command with enhanced counterterrorism powers, aimed at the people-smuggling gangs and other security threats ensuring public safety while addressing issues related to immigration and border control. Legislation will be brought forward giving the police greater powers to deal with anti-social behaviour by rebuilding neighbourhood policing. The violence and disorder across the country following the tragic events in Stockport will understandably lead to a focus on law and order as a critical priority for the new government.
Employment Rights
Labour’s stated mission to create equal opportunities is reflected in several Bills focused on workers’ rights, education and protections for renters. The Employment Rights Bill focusses on ‘making work pay’ enhancing employment rights and banning exploitative working environments with a focus on prohibiting zero-hour contracts and strengthening protections for new parents and sick workers. Our employment law team is able to help with the full range of employment law matters, supporting both employers and employees to understand their rights, responsibilities and legal obligations as new legislation comes forward.
Housing
In the housing sector, renters will gain stronger protections against poor housing conditions, sudden evictions, and landlords who discriminate against tenants who are in receipt of benefits or those with children or pets. Our property litigation team will be monitoring developments in the sector closely to provide the best advice and support to our clients.
In relation to leasehold reform, we have the promise of a new draft bill and the ‘end of leasehold’ for residential flats with the introduction of commonhold as the compulsory form of tenure for newly built properties. As we have commented already this new legislation will not be quick in coming to the fore, particularly given the known issues with Commonhold, which will need resolving. For more information see here.
We also await further details of the implementation of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform bill. See our comments here.
For more information, please contact our Landlord and Tenant Team.
And Finally
Key to all this will be how subsequent policies, Bills and legislation will address these challenges and, as I mentioned in my previous blog only time will tell.
20 August 2024
