With the 2024 election fast approaching, the major political parties have released their manifestos, each presenting distinct visions for the future of UK construction and infrastructure.
After 14 years under Conservative rule, marked by five prime ministers, two recessions, and Brexit, many predict a significant loss for the Tories. According to Electoral Calculus, the Conservatives could lose nearly 300 seats, while Labour might achieve a landslide victory reminiscent of Tony Blair’s 1997 win.
On housing, the Conservatives pledge to build 1.6 million homes in England, revamp the Help to Buy scheme, and introduce a Renters Reform Bill, abolishing Section 21 evictions. They also plan to fast-track brownfield developments and make the 2022 Stamp Duty threshold permanent. Labour aims to deliver 1.5 million new homes, update the National Policy Planning Framework, prioritise urban brownfield sites, and abolish Section 21 evictions immediately. The Liberal Democrats propose building 380,000 new homes annually, including 150,000 social homes, abolishing residential leaseholds, and banning no-fault evictions. The Green Party advocates for 150,000 new social homes per year, ending the right to buy, implementing rent controls, and ensuring all new homes meet Passivhaus standards.
In terms of infrastructure, the Conservatives plan to invest £8.3 billion in road maintenance and commit £12 billion to Northern Powerhouse rail. Labour intends to merge the NIC and IPA into Nista, improve northern rail connectivity, fix five million potholes, and nationalise railways. The Liberal Democrats focus on electric vehicle support and infrastructure devolution, while the Green Party demands additional investment in local health, transport, and other services for new developments.
Energy policies also differ. The Conservatives aim for net zero by 2050, with plans for oil and gas production in the North Sea, expanding nuclear power, and investing £1.1 billion in green industries. Labour commits to clean energy by 2030, banning fracking and new coal licences, investing in green hydrogen, and upgrading five million homes for energy efficiency. The Liberal Democrats propose a ten-year programme to ensure zero-carbon homes, 90% renewable electricity by 2030, and upgrading the National Grid. The Green Party seeks to phase out nuclear energy, cancel new fossil fuel projects, introduce a carbon tax, and rely on wind power for 70% of electricity by 2030.
Economic policies include the Conservatives’ promise to cut taxes by £17.2 billion by 2030, abolish National Insurance’s main rate, and maintain corporation tax levels. Labour aims to raise £8.5 billion annually through tax hikes and avoidance crackdowns, establish a £7.3 billion National Wealth Fund, and attract private investment in growth and clean energy. The Liberal Democrats will protect the Bank of England’s independence, reverse tax cuts for banks, and cut income tax when feasible. The Green Party plans a £40 billion annual investment to transition to a green economy.
Each party’s manifesto presents unique strategies for housing, infrastructure, energy, and the economy, reflecting their broader visions for the UK’s future. The election results will determine which of these plans will shape the nation’s path forward.
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