Politics

The UK Government has unveiled the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, a pivotal component of its strategy to rejuvenate development and bolster economic growth. This legislation aims to expedite the construction of new homes and critical infrastructure, aligning with the Government’s Plan for Change milestones, which include building 1.5 million safe and decent homes in England and fast-tracking 150 planning decisions on major economic infrastructure projects by the end of this Parliament.

On 30 January 2025, Sir Chris Bryant MP, the UK’s Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, delivered the keynote address at the TMT World Congress 2025. His speech outlined the Government’s vision for economic growth through advancements in digital infrastructure and technology.

This week, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade announced the appointment of 32 Parliamentarians covering 79 markets to the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy programme.

Ahead of her speech next week on the Government’s Plan for Growth, the Chancellor of the Exchequer – Rachel Reeves MP – has announced a package of investment reforms to spur regional growth across the country and attract investment into all corners of the UK. This includes a new approach across the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and the Office for Investment (OfI), which will work with local leaders across the UK to support places to build pipelines of incoming investment and projects linked to regional growth priorities.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has initiated a second phase of the Government’s Spending Review, focusing on a detailed evaluation of public sector spending. With the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change at its core, this initiative promises to reform public services, eliminate waste, and ensure that every pound spent delivers value for money for the British public.

The UK continues to grapple with a significant housing shortage. Homeownership remains unattainable for many, and housing costs consume a large portion of renters’ income. Recent statistics indicate that the number of children in temporary accommodation has reached unprecedented levels. In response, the Government has announced plans to deliver 1.5 million new homes within this Parliament, alongside infrastructure improvements to support economic and social needs.