The King’s Speech: Housing and Energy Main Points

On Wednesday, 13^th May, King Charles delivered his speech at the House of Lords, outlining the government’s plans for the upcoming year.

In his speech, the King said, “An increasingly dangerous and volatile world threatens the United Kingdom, with conflict in the Middle East only the most recent example”, followed by “my government will respond to this world with strength and aim to create a country that is fair for all.”

There were 37 bills announced, sharing the focus on the work of the government during the next parliamentary session.

Here is a summary of the housing and energy/environment points:

Housing

• A Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill will stop the use of leasehold for new flats in England and Wales, and cap ground rents at £250 per annum
  
  
• A Social Housing Renewal Bill will prevent newly built social homes in England from Right to Buy for 35 years. There will also be new productions in place for social tenants who are victims of domestic abuse to stay in their properties
  
  
• The Remediation Bill means construction and manufacturers will pay towards removing unsafe cladding.

Energy and Environment

• There will be new energy efficiency requirements for rented homes with the Energy Independence Bill

• Tax will be increased on the excess profits made by electricity generation companies under the new Electricity Generator Levy Bill

• The Clean Water Bill will mean there is a new regulator for the industry and a water ombudsman to provide more consumer protection.