Labour faces significant business challenges following its landslide win in the 2024 general election, aiming to build 1.5 million homes over five years and decarbonize the electricity grid by 2030.
Economic impact and market reaction have been optimistic, with financial markets viewing the stable government favorably. The incoming chancellor, Rachel Reeves, emphasized fiscal discipline and market-friendly policies during the campaign. However, achieving these ambitious targets appears challenging.
For housing, current projections suggest only 150,000 homes will be built this year, far short of the required annual 300,000. Labour plans to reform planning laws, possibly mandating local councils to meet housing targets and easing restrictions on greenbelt development.
In energy, Labour aims to double onshore wind, triple solar, and quadruple offshore wind capacity by 2030. Challenges include the existing grid's limited capacity and long waiting times for project approvals. Labour proposes setting up a state-owned company, Great British Energy, with £8.3 billion for clean energy investments, though analysts deem this insufficient.
Ed Miliband returns as Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, focusing on delivering clean energy initiatives. Upcoming key actions include lifting the ban on onshore wind and increasing the budget for renewable energy projects.
Planned legislative reforms include a "Towns Bill" to support new urban extensions and a potential cap on the value of compulsory land purchases. Labour also intends to hire additional planning officers to streamline processes.
Notably, Labour's housing goals mirror previous Conservative targets. Experts warn these initiatives will take time to realize fully, with projected home building potentially reaching 300,000 annually only by the end of the next parliament.
Overall, Labour's ambitious plans for housing and energy reform will face significant logistical, regulatory, and market challenges.