2024 Pre-election highlights

The 2024 general election is very important for the UK, as polls indicate a landslide victory for the opposition.

Katy has picked out the key policies from each party’s manifesto that impact planning, sustainability, and housing.  

Rishi Sunak’s Conservative party has pledged to invest in new and ongoing infrastructure and plans to relocate £36 billion from HS2 savings to transport projects in the North and Midlands. It also aims to deliver 1.6 million new homes in England by abolishing legacy EU ‘nutrient neutrality’ rules to unlock 100,000 new homes, and support smaller builders by setting land aside for them.

Labour vows to “end the Conservative chaos” and rebuild the UK with five key missions. Its proposals include the birth of publicly owned energy company Great British Energy to boost clean energy production; a commitment to build 1.5 million new homes; and an immediate update to the National Policy Planning Framework to restore mandatory housing targets.

The Liberal Democrats have promised to build 380,000 new homes a year, including 150,000 social housing units. The party plans to drive a ‘solar rooftop revolution’ and ensure that 90% of the UK’s electricity is generated by renewables by 2030, with aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 at the latest.

The Green Party’s manifesto focuses heavily on driving sustainable development across the UK. It proposes investments in greener public transport and the nationalisation of railways and water companies. A total of £29 billion has been pledged over the next five years to insulate homes to an EPC B standard or above, while ensuring new developments also meet high environmental standards.

Reform UK, spearheaded by Nigel Farage, has proposed scrapping net zero plans and green levies to reduce energy bills while increasing gas and oil drilling. Its housing reforms pledge to fast-track planning and incentives for brownfield sites and the use of new construction technology. It also vows to scrap HS2 and the National Infrastructure Commission.

Please exercise your right to vote on 4 July and have your say on the future leadership of our country.