Frank Bertie, Managing Director, responds to the new bills in the King’s Speech, on July 17, which will set the agenda for the new Government.
In a busy King’s Speech with 40 bills announced by the Government, there were three areas that particularly caught the eye here at NAPIT showing a co-ordinated approach to reaching net zero, plans to build more new homes and changes to the Apprenticeship Levy.
The Great British Energy Bill and other legislation to unlock investment in energy infrastructure will establish the remit of the “Mission Control” responsible for coordinating Labour’s target to achieve clean power by 2030, as well as reduce consenting timelines for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects to accelerate the deployment of new renewable generation.
There will be changes to the planning system in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and the Skills England Bill will see the apprenticeship levy reformed and Skills England established which will have a new partnership with employers at its heart.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has also unveiled plans for a “solar rooftop revolution” which aims to see more homes fitted with solar panels.
It is expected that Government will work with industry to make it easier to buy new homes with panels installed, or install them on existing ones.
There are also reports that Ministers are looking at bringing in solar-related standards for new-build properties from next year.
NAPIT Managing Director Frank Bertie said: “The Government has said it wants to get Britain building again and electrify the energy system which will need more heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle chargers.
“Taken together these are very encouraging measures which will all require a highly skilled and accredited workforce to deliver the necessary changes and make the most of those opportunities.
“NAPIT and its members will be key to ensuring there are sufficient skilled installers in the electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, microgeneration and building fabric trades across the UK domestic, commercial and industrial markets.
“I hope that Government will work with industry schemes and training providers to ensure the ambitious targets in the new bills can be met.”