Following the Labour Party’s win in the recent general election, King Charles III outlined the new government’s legislative programme in a speech to the House of Lords on Wednesday, 17th July 2024. The speech laid out approximately 40 pieces of legislation to rebuild the country and help restore trust in British politics. “Stability will be the cornerstone of my government’s economic policy,” said the king, and the “programme will be mission-led and based upon the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all.”
The announced measures include the following:
- A Planning and Infrastructure Bill will mean to streamline the process of approving critical infrastructure, helping Labour achieve its aim of building 1.5 million homes in five years. Compulsory purchase rules will be overhauled, and mandatory housing targets will be introduced for councils.
- A Renters’ Rights Bill will intend to give enhanced rights to renters, including a ban on no-fault evictions.
- A draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill will seek to regulate ground rent and ban forfeiture—where freeholders can possess leaseholders’ homes over small unpaid debts.
- A Passenger Railway Services Bill will aim to re-nationalise passenger rail services as existing contracts expire.
- A Crime and Policing Bill will intend to give police new powers to tackle antisocial behaviour, including retail crime. Assaulting a shopworker will become a standalone offence under the bill.
- An Employment Rights Bill will seek to ban zero-hours contracts and introduce additional employee rights, such as the right to maternity and sick pay from day one of employment.
- A Race Equality Bill will mean to tackle inequalities in the employment market and extend the right to make equal pay claims to ethnic minority workers and disabled people. Mandatory pay reporting will be established for larger organisations.
- A Great British Energy Bill will seek to boost investment in renewable energy projects.
- A Mental Health Bill will aim to reform the 1983 Mental Health Act and make mental health equal to physical health.
- A Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will intend to establish new rules to protect critical infrastructure from cyber-criminals.
Additionally, a Budget Responsibility Bill will stipulate that official economic forecasts be created before substantial tax changes or spending announcements are made. Specifically, the Office for Budget Responsibility will have the power to judge the government’s financial plans, or a “fiscal lock” could be triggered.
Next Steps
The government’s pledges could have regulatory implications for both individuals and businesses. To find out more, view the king’s speech in full on the government’s website. Contact us today for additional guidance and to speak with one of our experts.
