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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.
2024-07-30T15:50:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Minister for industry will fill government’s co-chair seat on CLC
2024-07-24T06:00:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Labour hopes its rebrand of ‘ugly’ green belt land will help. But will it work?
2024-07-23T06:00:00+01:00By Denise Chevin
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
2024-07-17T06:00:00+01:00By Chloë McCulloch
Early signalling from the new government is positive, let the hard work begin
2024-07-16T11:00:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Last Friday’s discussions at Number 11 focused on how sector can kickstart growth ahead of King’s Speech
2024-07-15T14:40:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
New Labour minister held industry and decarbonisation brief in opposition
2024-07-15T06:00:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Who will be making the important decisions in government affecting the construction industry? Daniel Gayne finds out
2024-07-15T09:29:00+01:00By Carl Brown
Construction Products Association director Noble Francis warns “there just won’t be the people” to meet key manifesto pledge
2024-07-12T11:19:00+01:00By Dave Rogers
Government’s huge majority set to provide impetus for quicker decisions on spending plans, Glenigan adds
2024-07-09T12:05:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Rodwell dropped out of standing for parliament in Labour safe seat last month after complaint about his conduct
2024-07-09T10:35:00+01:00
DLUHC to be return to former name MHCLG as Angela Rayner describes phrase as a “gimmick”
2024-07-08T11:46:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Labour sets out plans to get Britain building new infrastructure and housing
2024-07-08T11:34:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Nick Boles switched party allegiance after Truss mini-Budget
2024-07-08T07:52:00+01:00By Carl Brown
Greenwich and Woolwich MP with a track record of campaigning on low pay, renter rights and placemaking takes key DLUHC brief
2024-07-05T14:50:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Appointment follows landslide victory for Keir Starmer’s Labour party
2024-07-05T09:50:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Sector reacts to Keir Starmer’s 400-plus seat victory
2024-07-05T07:05:00+01:00By Carl Brown
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
2024-07-05T08:09:00+01:00By Richard Steer
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
2024-07-04T08:55:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Next government needs to start addressing issue from day one, Emma Cariaga adds
2024-07-04T06:00:00+01:00By Christy Hayes
The parties’ election pledges to build more houses will remain unattainable using traditional methods, writes Tide Construction’s Christy Hayes
2024-07-03T06:00:00+01:00By Mark Wild
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
2024-07-02T12:02:00+01:00By Dave Rogers
Firm says tender prices will stay flat this year and next
2024-07-02T11:40:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Trade body sets out priorities for first 100 days
2024-07-02T06:00:00+01:00By Nicola Hodkinson
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
2024-07-01T13:07:00+01:00By Carl Brown
Starmer pledges to push on with housebuilding “from day one” as it targets 1.5m homes
2024-07-01T06:00:00+01:00By Paul Beeston
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
2024-06-28T06:00:00+01:00By Paul Ruddick
Construction must up its game and be a true partner to the next administration, says Paul Ruddick of Reds10
2024-06-27T06:00:00+01:00By Daniel Easthope
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
2024-06-25T06:00:00+01:00By Nora Redmond
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
2024-06-24T10:38:00+01:00
Party’s manifesto also calls for devolution of housing benefit to boost social housing delivery
2024-06-20T09:00:00+01:00By Building news desk
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
2024-06-18T06:00:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
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
2024-06-17T16:04:00+01:00By Tom Lowe
Reform party unveils policy platform of sweeping tax cuts as it woos disgruntled Conservative voters
2024-06-17T13:14:00+01:00By Carl Brown
Labour sources say target remains party policy
2024-06-17T12:00:00+01:00By Dave Rogers
Open letter signed by Arup, Mace and Costain chiefs says next PM needs to work with industry more closely
2024-06-14T10:15:00+01:00By Tom Lowe
Planning reforms and focus on infrastructure upgrades roundly backed by experts
2024-06-14T06:00:00+01:00By Robert McLeod
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
2024-06-13T06:00:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
But planning experts say party’s social housing plans are undeliverable
2024-06-12T12:03:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Modest welcome for Help to Buy relaunch but Tories fail to impress with lack of planning reform
2024-06-12T06:00:00+01:00By Chloë McCulloch
Many a construction boss is scathing about the Conservatives’ record in office, but that is not the same as embracing the alternative
2024-06-11T12:04:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Party also pledges to get major infrastructure projects signed off within 12 months
2024-06-11T05:59:00+01:00By Carl Brown
Responses by more than 130 readers show more than half are likely to vote for Keir Starmer’s party on 4 July
2024-06-11T12:00:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Body also demands long-term planning and investment in skills
2024-06-10T06:43:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
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
2024-06-10T12:19:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Companies could lose right to sponsor visas if they do not back party’s training plans
2024-06-10T12:10:00+01:00By Tom Lowe
Party confirms pledge to build 380,000 homes a year and would take a second look at HS2’s northern leg
2024-06-07T07:02:00+01:00By Carl Brown
Starmer announces ‘Freedom to Buy’ policy as key housing manifesto pledge
2024-06-07T06:00:00+01:00By Jackie Sadek
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
2024-06-06T06:00:00+01:00
Building wants to find out what you think of the main political parties and their construction policies
2024-06-06T06:00:00+01:00By Peter Bill
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
2024-06-05T12:09:00+01:00By Tom Lowe
Rodwell withdrawn from candidacy for Labour safe seat amid an internal investigation
2024-06-04T06:00:00+01:00
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
2024-06-03T11:28:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Firms including Balfour Beatty, Laing O’Rourke and Atkins Realis set out 12 key measurers for next government
2024-06-03T10:36:00+01:00By Tom Lowe
Conservatives also unveil 30 more towns in line for levelling up cash as main parties continue election campaigning
2024-05-30T09:17:00+01:00
Which of the UK political parties has the best policies for the built environment? Tell us what you think in our reader survey
2024-05-29T11:13:00+01:00By Tom Lowe
Proposed new law would strengthen powers of independent higher education regulator
2024-05-29T09:40:00+01:00By Olivia Barber
The largest professional body for construction has launched its pre-election manifesto today
2024-05-28T10:16:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Polarising housing secretary says a ‘new generation’ should now lead Conservative Party
2024-05-28T10:20:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Architects and civil engineering firm join Jack Kirkland in endorsing oppposition party ahead of general election
2024-05-28T06:00:00+01:00
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
2024-05-24T09:53:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
Policy the result of party’s review into major project delivery
2024-05-23T08:55:00+01:00By Building news desk
Initial thoughts from industry leaders as the prime minister unexpectedly calls a 4 July election
2024-05-21T11:53:00+01:00By Carl Brown
Shadow housing secretary and deputy Labour leader details new policy at UKREiiF event in Leeds
2024-05-21T11:43:00+01:00By Ariana Hashtrudi
Benefits claimants will be given training in sectors deemed most at risk from labour shortages
2024-05-20T11:56:00+01:00By Ariana Hashtrudi
UKGBC calls for £64bn to be spent on retrofit programme for country’s housing stock
2024-05-17T06:00:00+01:00By Chloë McCulloch
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’?
2024-05-14T06:00:00+01:00
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
2024-05-07T11:57:00+01:00By Carl Brown
Former PwC director also expected to continue working with Greater Manchester mayor on HS2 alternative from Birmingham to north
2024-05-07T06:30:00+01:00
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
2024-04-30T11:49:00+01:00By Building news desk
Home Truths is a straight-talking podcast getting to the heart of this politically-charged debate - watch the trailer here
2024-04-29T09:56:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
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
2024-04-24T06:00:00+01:00By Carl Brown
Three new metro-mayoral positions will be among those filled as local and regional elections take place next month. Carl Brown reports.
2024-04-22T06:00:00+01:00By Tom Lowe
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
2024-04-16T06:00:00+01:00By Joey Gardiner
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 ...
2024-04-16T06:00:00+01:00By Chloë McCulloch
Creative thinking is going to be vital in addressing decades of underinvestment in the fabric of our healthcare services
2024-04-15T06:00:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
What might a third term for the capital’s most powerful politician look like? Daniel Gayne considers the mayor’s record so far
2024-04-15T11:53:00+01:00By Olivia Barber
Sadiq Khan to set aside additional £10m to tackle problem
2024-04-09T06:00:00+01:00
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
2024-04-02T05:00:00+01:00By Daniel Gayne
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
2024-03-26T07:00:00+00:00By Carl Brown
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
2024-03-21T12:57:00+00:00By Daniel Gayne
Group wants incoming administration to set high standards
2024-03-20T12:45:00+00:00By Daniel Gayne
Infrastructure investment and planning reform two of ‘three pillars’ of party’s economic strategy
2024-03-20T06:00:00+00:00
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.
2024-03-18T11:19:00+00:00By Holly Davis
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
2024-03-15T06:00:00+00:00By Building news desk
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
2024-03-15T06:00:00+00:00By Joey Gardiner
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
2024-03-15T06:00:00+00:00By Carl Brown
We want to hear from you as we look in-depth at the key policy areas
2024-03-15T06:00:00+00:00By Chloë McCulloch
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