Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to create a “new Britain” by offering more powers for housing and local mayors if his party wins the next election. In his speech at the Labour party’s annual conference on Tuesday, he promised to speed up building on unused urban land, proposing to build a new generation of towns near English cities. The party will build an undisclosed number of settlements on land under acquisition by government-backed companies. Sir Keir also promised to provide better public transport, healthcare services, schools, and affordable housing to support people in new towns.
Labour’s proposal would allow mayors in English regions greater powers, making them more akin to those held in areas such as the West Midlands and Manchester. The party is also seeking a significant upgrade of existing metro mayors’ powers over planning, skills policy, and transport. Local leaders will have to demonstrate an exceptional track record in managing the public’s money, subject to individual negotiations.
Sir Keir’s six-month consultation program would identify regions requiring new development due to unfulfilled housing needs. Local councils would draft proposals, with any affordable houses directed towards the local area’s housing targets. In addition, the planning rules would be revised to outline national standards for five-storey Georgian-style townhouse blocks, potentially making builders more likely to get planning permission on brownfield sites if they follow such standards.
The speech will also pledge to set a standalone offence in England and Wales of assaulting a retail worker, resulting in a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment. It will also reverse the 2014 decision to allow people charged with stealing goods worth less than £200 to plead guilty by post. He believes this law has deprioritised low-value shoplifting and pledged more policing on neighbourhood patrols.
In conclusion, if Keir Starmer’s party wins the next election, Labour promises to put power in the hands of regional mayors, increase funding for essential public services, and support people with affordable housing, better schools, and healthcare. The “decade of national renewal” promises to end 13 years of Conservative-led government and “build a new Britain.
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