Dr Anandadeep Mandal comments on the plans for housing and infrastructure in the King's Speech.
“In his address, the King underscored the government's commitment to revitalizing Britain's infrastructure and housing sectors, emphasizing a proactive stance to ‘get Britain building.’ This pledge aligns with Labour's electoral promise to facilitate the construction of 1.5 million new homes within the next five years, aimed at addressing the pressing housing shortage. Additionally, ministers intend to foster sustainable economic growth by promoting investments in industry, enhancing skills, and embracing new technologies. This multifaceted approach not only targets infrastructural development but also aims to curb the escalating costs of both homeownership and renting.
Recent data from the Office for National Statistics highlights a concerning trend, revealing a 2.2% rise in average house prices to £285,000 over the past year, while private rents surged by 8.6% in the same period. These increases outpace the inflation rate, signalling a growing affordability challenge for many citizens. Today's King's Speech prioritized housing and planning reforms, aiming to mitigate these cost burdens and foster a more equitable housing market. The government's commitment to accelerating infrastructure projects and housing initiatives is pivotal in addressing these economic disparities and steering the country towards sustainable growth and affordability in the housing sector.”
Associate Professor in Finance
Dr Anandadeep Mandal is an Associate Professor in Finance at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham.
