What do local authorities need to know about the Labour Manifesto?
With Labour leading in the polls, local authorities across the country are likely to be combing through the Labour Manifesto, focusing on the pledges and commitments relevant to their interests. They will be particularly interested to see how Labour's proposed measures address critical issues such as housing, regeneration, and infrastructure. Understanding these promises is crucial for local authorities as they evaluate the potential impacts and benefits for their communities.
Housing remains a pressing concern, and local authorities will be eager to see how Labour plan to tackle affordability, availability, and quality. Regeneration and infrastructure development is another key area of interest, with local authorities keen to understand how new projects might enhance connectivity, economic growth, and overall community wellbeing.
We've undertaken a review of the Labour Manifesto so local authorities can anticipate changes, prepare for implementation, and advocate for resources that will benefit their regions.
Regeneration and Development
Labour propose to take a brownfield first approach, prioritising the development of previously used land wherever possible, and fast-tracking approval of urban brownfield sites. Labour will take a more strategic approach to greenbelt land designation and release to build more homes in the right places. The release of lower quality ‘grey belt’ land will be prioritised and will introduce ‘golden rules’ to ensure development benefits communities and nature.
A Labour government will also collaborate with local leaders and communities to build a new generation of towns, inspired by the 1945 Labour government's legacy. Alongside urban extensions and regeneration projects, these efforts will create large-scale new communities across England, addressing housing needs and fostering sustainable development.
Infrastructure
Labour will develop a ten-year infrastructure strategy, including improving rail connectivity across the north of England. The strategy will guide investment plans and give certainty about project pipelines. In addition, Labour will create a new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, bringing together existing bodies, to set strategic infrastructure priorities and oversee the design, scope, and delivery of projects.
Housing
Labour proposes to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation, pledging they will "get Britain building again" by delivering 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament. They have also stated they will work with local authorities to give first-time buyers the first chance to buy homes. It is not clear how this will work in practice, but this suggests there will be a role for local authorities to ensure new homes within developments are not entirely sold "off plan" to international investors.
They have said that they will make changes to the Affordable Homes Programme to ensure that it delivers more homes from existing funding; and support local authorities and housing associations to build their capacity and make a greater contribution to affordable housing supply.
Business Rates
Labour will replace the business rates system, with a view to raising revenue in a fairer way, levelling "the playing field between highstreets and online retail giants" and "incentivise investment, tackle empty properties and support entrepreneurship." No timescale is given and specifics on any replacement are awaited.
Local Authority Powers
Labour pledge to deepen devolution settlements for existing Combined Authorities and will review the governance arrangements for Combined Authorities to "unblock decision making". They will also widen devolution to more areas with the intention of encouraging local authorities to come together and take on new powers. Local areas will be able to gain new powers over transport, adult education and skills, housing and planning, and employment support. Further details will be needed as to the level of central government influence over and support offered to local authorities.
CPO and Planning
Labour have said they will set out new national policy statements, making major projects faster and cheaper, ensuring developments benefit communities. They will update national planning policy to ensure the planning system meets the needs of a modern economy, making it easier to build laboratories, digital infrastructure, and gigafactories. Additionally, Labour will reform compulsory purchase compensation rules to improve land assembly and expedite site delivery, promoting housing, infrastructure, amenities, and transport projects in the public interest. They aim to ensure fair compensation for landowners, avoiding inflated prices driven by the prospect of planning permission.
They will support local authorities by funding additional planning officers, through increasing the rate of the stamp duty surcharge paid by non-UK residents. These measures aim to streamline planning, boost economic development, and ensure new developments directly benefit local communities.
Local Growth Plans
Labour have outlined a new statutory requirement for Local Growth Plans that cover towns and cities across the country. Local leaders will work with major employers, universities, colleges, and industry bodies to produce long-term plans that identify growth sectors and put in place the programmes and infrastructure they need to thrive. It is not clear what the role of local authorities will be, however as local authorities are at the forefront of regeneration and place-making, it is expected they will play a key role.
Local authorities are preparing for the practical implications of a possible Labour-led administration, ensuring they are ready for any changes ahead. Regardless of the manifesto's promises of the various political parties, local authorities pledge to uphold their duty to serve, ensuring that the interests and needs of their constituents remain at the forefront of policy discussions, regardless of the party in power.
