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As thoughts turn towards the next general election, the UK is facing some serious problems. Low growth, flatlining productivity, question marks over net zero funding and capability, skills shortages and a worsening housing crisis all amount to a daunting in-tray for the next government.
This year’s general election therefore has very high stakes for the built environment and the economy as a whole. For this reason, Building is launching its most in-depth election coverage yet, helping the industry to understand the issues in play and helping to amplify construction’s voice so that the government hears it loud and clear.
Election focus
Labour’s housebuilding dream could be a nightmare to realise
It seems shrewd of the new government to have got housebuilders onside at an early stage, bt is all the talk of large-scale social, affordable and accessible housing provision realistic, asks Richard Steer
Sarah Jones officially named construction minister
Minister for industry will fill government’s co-chair seat on CLC
A boost for housebuilding or an ill-defined gimmick? - Labour’s ‘grey belt’ plans explained
Labour hopes its rebrand of ‘ugly’ green belt land will help. But will it work?
In the rush to build 1.5 million homes how do we safeguard quality?
Starmer’s government wants to build at a speed and scale not seen since the 1970s, sadly the building spurts of the past resulted in homes of dubious quality
Starmer’s been in post for a fortnight: Do we dare be hopeful?
Early signalling from the new government is positive, let the hard work begin
Industry bosses called in to meet new chancellor to discuss ways to improve housing and infrastructure delivery
Last Friday’s discussions at Number 11 focused on how sector can kickstart growth ahead of King’s Speech
Sarah Jones expected to be named construction minister
New Labour minister held industry and decarbonisation brief in opposition
A guide to the key players shaping the Labour government’s policy
Who will be making the important decisions in government affecting the construction industry? Daniel Gayne finds out
Lack of skilled workers may be biggest barrier to Labour hitting 1.5m homes target, warns economist
Construction Products Association director Noble Francis warns “there just won’t be the people” to meet key manifesto pledge
Labour government set to usher in rise in new project starts, forecaster says
Government’s huge majority set to provide impetus for quicker decisions on spending plans, Glenigan adds
Barking and Dagenham council leader Darren Rodwell in the clear following allegations about behaviour
Rodwell dropped out of standing for parliament in Labour safe seat last month after complaint about his conduct
Labour removes ‘levelling up’ from department and ministerial titles
DLUHC to be return to former name MHCLG as Angela Rayner describes phrase as a “gimmick”
New chancellor Rachel Reeves reverses onshore wind ban and restores mandatory housing targets
Labour sets out plans to get Britain building new infrastructure and housing
Former Tory minister could be made Labour planning tsar, reports say
Nick Boles switched party allegiance after Truss mini-Budget
Pennycook appointed housing minister
Greenwich and Woolwich MP with a track record of campaigning on low pay, renter rights and placemaking takes key DLUHC brief
Angela Rayner confirmed as housing secretary
Appointment follows landslide victory for Keir Starmer’s Labour party
Labour government ‘must be realistic’ about challenges facing construction – industry leaders react to landslide
Sector reacts to Keir Starmer’s 400-plus seat victory
New towns, 1.5 million homes and renewing the UK’s infrastructure…. what the new government is promising for construction
Keir Starmer’s party has won a large majority as many expected. As we gear up for the first Labour government for 14 years, here is a reminder of what they have pledged for the built environment
A new government – and a chance for construction to be heard
Keir Starmer steps in to No10 with much to do and the economy in a perilous state. He would be wise to engage with the built environment sector more successfully than his predecessors, says Richard Steer
Next prime minister should hold COBRA meeting on housing crisis, says British Land’s Canada Water chief
Next government needs to start addressing issue from day one, Emma Cariaga adds
Only by building with factory precision can the next government hit housing targets
The parties’ election pledges to build more houses will remain unattainable using traditional methods, writes Tide Construction’s Christy Hayes
Construction must recruit to make progress
Regardless of who forms the next government, the industry needs to change its mindset and create a much bigger skills base to address the challenges that lie before us, says Mark Wild
Mace plays down expectations of work boost following election
Firm says tender prices will stay flat this year and next
New government must take opportunity to ‘turn new page’ for infrastructure, says CECA
Trade body sets out priorities for first 100 days
Will Labour’s apprenticeship reforms really solve the skills crisis?
The next government must provide tangible support for employers, educational institutions and apprentices if construction is to play its full part in driving economic growth, says Nicola Hodkinson
Labour to make major housing announcements ‘within a fortnight’ of winning the election
Starmer pledges to push on with housebuilding “from day one” as it targets 1.5m homes
What we need now is good governance
With the general election looming, it is worth reflecting on what is required to deliver the best outcomes within our industry, writes Paul Beeston of RLB
Ask not what the next government can do for construction
Construction must up its game and be a true partner to the next administration, says Paul Ruddick of Reds10
With healthcare in the election spotlight, industry collaboration is key
A review of healthcare estates and buildings, and a more holistic look at how new hospitals are built can ensure the NHS meets the demands of the next government, says Daniel Easthope at Mace
‘There’s been a lack of consistency, and you need consistency to deliver’ – What the outgoing CIOB president wants from the next government
Sandi Rhys Jones is clear where the Conservatives went wrong in their dealings with the construction industry. So, with a general election looming and her term in office coming to an end, Nora Redmond asked the president of the Chartered Institute of Building what needs to happen next
SNP calls for changes to Westminster’s fiscal rules to boost infrastructure investment
Party’s manifesto also calls for devolution of housing benefit to boost social housing delivery
Election focus 2024: policy tracker
Building’s frequently-updated policy tracker will keep you up to speed on the latest pledges and announcements made by the parties in the run up to polling day
Who’s who in Labour’s would-be cabinet
With Labour riding high in the polls, Daniel Gayne looks at who will be the major players in the party if it wins the keys to Number 10
Farage’s Reform UK pledges to scrap IR35 and net zero targets
Reform party unveils policy platform of sweeping tax cuts as it woos disgruntled Conservative voters
Labour criticised over omission of 40% affordable housing target from manifesto
Labour sources say target remains party policy
Spend money on infrastructure, bosses tell party leaders
Open letter signed by Arup, Mace and Costain chiefs says next PM needs to work with industry more closely
Warm welcome from industry for Labour’s ‘wealth creation’ manifesto
Planning reforms and focus on infrastructure upgrades roundly backed by experts
Developers’ profit margins should not be dictating UK housing policy
The political parties may be promising to build more homes but it is improving the building standards of those homes that is key to tackling the UK’s housing, energy and fuel poverty crises
Greens have understood scale of investment needed for retrofit, says UKGBC
But planning experts say party’s social housing plans are undeliverable
Industry reacts to Conservative Party’s ‘unbalanced’ and ‘frustrating’ manifesto
Modest welcome for Help to Buy relaunch but Tories fail to impress with lack of planning reform
Looking for signs of construction swinging to Labour
Many a construction boss is scathing about the Conservatives’ record in office, but that is not the same as embracing the alternative
Sunak pledges to revive Help To Buy at Conservative manifesto launch
Party also pledges to get major infrastructure projects signed off within 12 months
Poll shows strong shift in support towards Labour among Building readers
Responses by more than 130 readers show more than half are likely to vote for Keir Starmer’s party on 4 July
CLC calls on parties to commit to favouring planning approval on smaller sites
Body also demands long-term planning and investment in skills
‘We’ve not had any engagement from the Labour leadership – and we’ve tried’: The CPA’s new chair on the need for a positive products strategy
It was not that long ago that Adam Turk was knocking on doors for the Tories. Now he says the construction products sector needs a change. But Labour is proving a tough nut to crack
Labour unveils plans to unblock prison building and force firms to train domestic labour force
Companies could lose right to sponsor visas if they do not back party’s training plans
Liberal Democrats outline housing and net zero plans in manifesto
Party confirms pledge to build 380,000 homes a year and would take a second look at HS2’s northern leg
Labour pledges to help 80,000 buy a home through ‘permanent’ mortgage guarantee scheme
Starmer announces ‘Freedom to Buy’ policy as key housing manifesto pledge
It’ll take 10 years to solve the housing crisis – but here’s how we might do it
The UK housing crisis is so entrenched that it needs to be put onto a war footing and fought through a cross-party accord, says Jackie Sadek
Tell us what you think in our general election reader poll
Building wants to find out what you think of the main political parties and their construction policies
Fix planning to fix housing? It’s just a mantra, not the truth
Over and over, politicians have sworn to slash the red tape, but that’s not the key – housebuilders won’t build if there’s no prospect of profit
Barking and Dagenham council leader Darren Rodwell dropped as Labour candidate
Rodwell withdrawn from candidacy for Labour safe seat amid an internal investigation
Home Truths podcast: In conversation with Liz Peace
Episode 5: Follow the money – Liz Peace, former chief executive of the British Property Federation, talks to Jackie Sadek and Peter Bill about finding a financial model to kick-start a nationwide affordable housebuilding programme
Tier ones demand creation of infrastructure minister
Firms including Balfour Beatty, Laing O’Rourke and Atkins Realis set out 12 key measurers for next government
Labour would allow firms to spend half of apprenticeship funds to train existing staff
Conservatives also unveil 30 more towns in line for levelling up cash as main parties continue election campaigning
General election 2024: who will get your vote?
Which of the UK political parties has the best policies for the built environment? Tell us what you think in our reader survey
Sunak pledges to fund 100,000 more apprenticeships by scrapping ‘Mickey Mouse’ degrees
Proposed new law would strengthen powers of independent higher education regulator
CIOB calls on next government to tackle late payment culture and create green skills fund
The largest professional body for construction has launched its pre-election manifesto today
Gove to leave housing role after decision to step down as MP
Polarising housing secretary says a ‘new generation’ should now lead Conservative Party
Bowmer & Kirkland chair among business leaders backing Labour
Architects and civil engineering firm join Jack Kirkland in endorsing oppposition party ahead of general election
Home Truths podcast: In conversation with Darren Rodwell
Episode 4: Bricks and mortar, hearts and minds - Darren Rodwell, Labour’s candidate for Barking and council leader for the east London borough, on how he expects the Labour leadership to reveal more housing policy detail now the election has been called
Labour pledges to merge NIC and IPA if elected in infrastructure shake-up
Policy the result of party’s review into major project delivery
Sunak’s big election gamble: How the construction sector reacted
Initial thoughts from industry leaders as the prime minister unexpectedly calls a 4 July election
Rayner announces 40% affordable housing target for New Towns
Shadow housing secretary and deputy Labour leader details new policy at UKREiiF event in Leeds
Construction among sectors targeted by government jobs ‘bootcamp’ plan
Benefits claimants will be given training in sectors deemed most at risk from labour shortages
Green group spells out demands for next government in election manifesto
UKGBC calls for £64bn to be spent on retrofit programme for country’s housing stock
We are in a world where business leaders appear more radical than the Labour party
After the local elections, Keir Starmer looks certain to be our next prime minister, but where are the details beyond the aspiration to ‘get Britain building’?
Home Truths podcast: In conversation with Jennie Daly at Taylor Wimpey
Taylor Wimpey chief executive talks to Jackie Sadek and Peter Bill about why the planning system is broken and what would need to change for private housebuilders to consider building council homes at scale. Listen and read extracts here
New mayor eyeing 20,000 extra homes after defeating Street in West Midlands election
Former PwC director also expected to continue working with Greater Manchester mayor on HS2 alternative from Birmingham to north
Home Truths podcast: In conversation with Peter Freeman at Homes England
Episode 1: The Swiss Army Knife – Homes England chair talks to Jackie Sadek and Peter Bill about the importance of housing targets, reforms to planning and investing in MMC. Listen and read extracts here
Building Talks podcast teams up with Jackie Sadek and Peter Bill for housing crisis series
Home Truths is a straight-talking podcast getting to the heart of this politically-charged debate - watch the trailer here
‘Construction seems to have fallen down the food chain’ – Scape’s Mark Robinson on what the government must change
As the public sector-owned procurement specialist launches its Charter for Change, its chief executive tells Daniel Gayne how the next government can do more to promote the construction sector
Your guide to the May 2 elections: what’s at stake for construction
Three new metro-mayoral positions will be among those filled as local and regional elections take place next month. Carl Brown reports.
‘Government flip-flopping on climate has cost us work’: Ramboll’s Philippa Spence on what she wants from UK politicians
The UK managing director talks to Tom Lowe about the impact that government dithering over net zero policy has had on her firm and the industry as a whole over the past five years
Pre-election briefing: What can we expect for investment in the NHS estate?
The first of Boris Johnson’s promised 40 hospitals will open this month. But huge delays to the £22bn programme mean that, months before an election, procurement for most of the work hasn’t even begun and there is no certainty that Labour will push ahead. Joey Gardiner asks what it all ...
How much the next government spends on the NHS estate will be critical to its future
Creative thinking is going to be vital in addressing decades of underinvestment in the fabric of our healthcare services
Local elections 2024: London mayor Sadiq Khan’s record on the built environment
What might a third term for the capital’s most powerful politician look like? Daniel Gayne considers the mayor’s record so far
Mayor commits to ending rough sleeping in London by 2030 if re-elected
Sadiq Khan to set aside additional £10m to tackle problem
The race is on… Countdown to the general election part three: Infrastructure and creating communities
Over the next few months, Building will have a political focus: what do the parties have to offer? What does construction want and need? Here is the final instalment of our three-parter with an overview of election topics
FMB’s Brian Berry: ‘That anyone can be a builder is not helpful to the reputation of the industry’
With an election on the horizon, Daniel Gayne spoke to the leader of the representative body for construction SMEs to get his thoughts about the choices on offer
Access to the policymakers: Mark Reynolds on the CLC’s strategy for influence
As the CLC publishes its latest bi-annual report, Carl Brown speaks to Mark Reynolds about the group’s achievements to date and future plans
Embrace AI and ‘micro’ investment zones to improve UK buildings, BRE urges next government
Group wants incoming administration to set high standards
Planning reform ‘at the very centre’ of Labour economic vision, says Reeves
Infrastructure investment and planning reform two of ‘three pillars’ of party’s economic strategy
The race is on… Countdown to the general election part two: Building safety, affordable housing, skills and education
Over the next few months, Building will have a political focus: what do the parties have to offer? What does construction want and need? Here is the second instalment of our three-parter looking at election topics.
The government must do more to boost UK infrastructure
The chancellor missed an opportunity for meaningful demand-side stimuli in the Budget. With an election looming, the government must be more ambitious if it is to win the confidence of business leaders, says KPMG’s Holly Davis
The race is on… Countdown to the general election part one: Project delivery, housing and planning, net zero
Rishi Sunak will have to call a general election this year. Over the next few months, Building will have a political focus: what do the parties have to offer? What does construction want and need? We kick off by examining some of the big industry issues
School buildings crisis: What can the next government do to save our schools and colleges?
Public capital spending on education was less last year than at any time since Labour’s Building Schools for the Future programme got up to speed 17 years ago. As part of Building’s election focus, Joey Gardiner asks what can be done to stop our schools falling further into disrepair
Building’s general election coverage starts here …
We want to hear from you as we look in-depth at the key policy areas
Election year: why there is so much at stake for construction
Politicians are looking for a positive message and ways to kick-start economic growth,which might be why they are suddenly keen to be seen visiting construction sites