What should the Kings Speech Prioritise?

Thriving local economies are fundamental to accelerating opportunities and growth across the UK. At the heart of local areas are thriving businesses.

But right now, businesses are being held back by a planning system that’s in desperate need of reform. That’s why the King’s Speech should signal the government’s commitment to creating a faster, streamlined and better resourced planning system.  

We need more high quality homes, in places where people want to live and work.   At the same time, businesses need land to invest, innovate and grow.  Across many areas of the country, however, firms are being squeezed out of towns and cities – as good quality land is given over to housing needs.  Achieving the right balance of land for jobs and homes is key to boosting local economic growth and ensuring that businesses and communities can flourish together.

Speeding up the planning system will boost business investment and unlock growth opportunities across the country.   That’s why more resources, skills and technology are needed to boost capacity in local planning authorities, leading to a faster and more efficient service.  Government must fulfil its promise to inject more funds into the system.

More must be done to ensure consistency and certainty for business in the planning process.  Business operates in a global market and we risk losing investment to other parts of the world unless we can give investors the confidence they need.

Planning matters to business. It helps deliver growth, it supports investment, it improves access to skills and underpins supply chains.  A more effective and responsive system can be a springboard to sustainable growth and prosperity for all.

Source: British Chamber of Commerce