Housing ignored in Queen’s speech – but new laws promised on building safety

The government has promised a further clampdown on building safety, with the Queen’s speech outlining plans for new laws – but housing failed to earn a mention.

There was no reference to the sector in the speech, despite the topic earning a mention in the 2017 announcement – the most recent to take place after last year's was cancelled due to Brexit.

Peter Hogg, the UK cities director at Arcadis, said: “What was notable by its absence was the need to address our national housing shortage, perhaps because the government does see any pre-electoral benefit in having these provisions exposed to early opposition.

“Although there were positive commitments to new building safety standards post the tragic Grenfell incident, there was little else to suggest that government sees the housing crisis as its problem to solve."

But the government did pledge to formalise building safety standards.

The Queen said: “My ministers will [...] bring forward laws to implement new building safety standards."

Lord Porter, building safety spokesman for the Local Government Association, said reform couldn't come soon enough.

He said: “Designers, developers, product manufacturers and building owners need to be given clear duties in relation to building safety and clear guidance on those duties.

“It is important that the new regulatory framework does not create a two-tier safety system. We need a partnership between the new building regulator, councils and fire services, with local authorities given effective powers, including meaningful sanctions."

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said the announcement was an “essential step in improving safety and confidence in our built environment" but warned the government needed to go further.

He added: "The government must publicly consult on a mandatory licensing scheme for all UK construction companies. This would serve to remove from the industry any firm that ignores health and safety procedure and risks safety in and around the built environment."

The speech also reiterated comments made by chancellor Sajid Javid during September's spending review that government would bring forward a new National Infrastructure Strategy later this year.

She said: “To ensure the benefits of a prospering economy reach every corner of the United Kingdom my ministers will bring forward a National Infrastructure Strategy. This will set out a long-term vision to improve the nation’s digital, transport and energy infrastructure."

The strategy is expected to be confirmed in line with the budget, which is due to be held on 6 November.