King’s Speech sets out government’s plans for planning, transport and devolution

In the first State of Opening of Parliament since the General Election, the government’s plans for planning and housing, transport and devolution have been set out in the King’s Speech.

The speech has set out newly elected Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s focus as improving living standards through economic growth. The package of bills put forward will focus on growing the economy through better transport, more jobs and turbocharging building of houses and infrastructure.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said:

“Now is the time to take the brakes off Britain. For too long people have been held back, their paths determined by where they came from – not their talents and hard work. 

“I am determined to create wealth for people up and down the country. It is the only way our country can progress, and my government is focussed on supporting that aspiration. 

“Today’s new laws will take back control and lay the foundations of real change that this country is crying out for, creating wealth in every community and making people better off – supporting their ambitions, hopes and dreams.“

On transport, the government will look to bring railways back into public ownership once existing contracts expire, with a new public body, Great British Railways to oversee the ticketing system and improve services to passengers. Local government will also gain greater powers to bring bus services back under public control, as is already being done in Greater Manchester.

Planning reforms will also help to accelerate the delivery of new homes and infrastructure that will support economic growth. Changes look to enable democratic engagement with how new projects and homes are delivered, over the current systems which considers only if individual development can go ahead in isolation.

A new English Devolution Bill will also look to transfer power away from central government into local communities and recognise the role of local leaders in supporting growth. The bill will also establish local growth plans for how to bring economic benefit to communities and households across the country.