Category: Government
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New AI tool aims to speed up planning permission approvals
The UK government has introduced a new AI-powered tool aimed at speeding up planning permission by reducing the amount of time it takes to process paperwork from hours to just a few minutes. Announced at London Tech Week, Extract is designed to help local councils process planning documents more quickly and efficiently. This technology supports…
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Solar panels will be part of Future Homes Standard, government confirms
The UK government has confirmed that the Future Homes Standard will be published this autumn, making it clear that new homes will require solar panels as standard. The announcement forms part of the government’s wider Plan for Change, aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering energy bills for future homeowners. While many…
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Will there really be a ‘bath time tax’?
The idea of a “bath time tax” might sound like something out of a dystopian novel, but it’s become a hot topic in the UK’s ongoing water debate. While it’s not a direct tax on your bubbles, this controversial idea points to new plans aimed at encouraging us to save water and pay differently. We…
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Government pledges £39bn for affordable homes in Spending Review
The UK government has announced a £39 billion plan over ten years to build 1.5 million affordable new homes. This big spending promise, part of the Chancellor’s latest review, is being called the “biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation.” However, many will be watching closely to see if this huge investment…
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Starmer’s crackdown on housebuilders sparks debate
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sent a clear warning to housebuilders: “If you promise homes, you have to build them.” Backed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Labour’s new housing policy introduces tough penalties for developers who delay construction – including potential land seizures, public reporting requirements and thousands of pounds in “delayed homes” fines.…
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Rayner’s reforms promise SME housebuilding revival
In a speech at the UK Real Estate and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner unveiled a new strategy to rejuvenate the UK’s housing sector. Emphasising the crucial role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Rayner introduced planning reforms aimed at accelerating housebuilding, including the development of ‘grey belt’ land and…
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Government cuts higher level apprenticeship funding
The UK government has announced plans to “refocus” funding away from Level 7 (masters level) apprenticeships from January 2026. From next year, only existing apprentices or those aged 16-21 will be eligible for levy-funded training. According to the government, the new measures will allow levy funding to be “rebalanced towards training at lower levels, where…
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Nature protections ‘not the problem’ — so why is the government rolling them back?
The UK government’s Planning & Infrastructure Bill aims to expedite housing and infrastructure projects by streamlining environmental regulations. Central to the bill is the establishment of a Nature Restoration Fund (NRF), allowing developers to offset environmental obligations through financial contributions. While the government asserts that these latest planning reforms will support development without compromising environmental…
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Great British Energy blocks use of solar panels linked to forced labour
The UK government has announced that Great British Energy, the state-owned energy company, will be prohibited from using solar panels linked to forced labour practices in China’s Xinjiang region. This decision comes amid mounting pressure from MPs, campaigners, and international observers to ensure that the UK’s transition to renewable energy does not come at the…
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U-turn as Government makes solar panels mandatory on all new homes by 2027
The Labour Government has announced a major policy shift, confirming that all new homes in England must be fitted with solar panels by 2027. The move comes just months after ministers rejected the Sunshine Bill, marking a significant U-turn on renewable energy policy. Environmental campaigners, including CPRE, have hailed the decision as a major victory…