Government sets out plan in king's speech

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Today the government set out its plans for the next parliament in the King’s speech. Many of the plans will be familiar to people that have seen the Labour manifesto for the recent election

Some key points:

  • The government promised to “get Britain building” by reforming planning procedures to “accelerate” housebuilding across the country
  • For renters, it plans on giving them “greater rights and protections”, including a plan to end no-fault evictions
  • On migration, the government aims to “modernise” the asylum and immigration system and establish a new Border Security Command
  • Meanwhile, train operators will be brought into public ownership, and local leaders will be allowed to “take control” of local bus services
  • The government will also "remove the VAT exemption for private school fees" - the government hopes this will fund 6,500 new teachers
  • A bill to establish an independent football regulator will be introduced to ensure “sustainability” in the game and give stronger protections for fans - a plan dropped by the previous government
  • Climate change is also on its agenda, with the establishment of publicly-owned Great British Energy to invest in renewable energy
  • The government will also “encourage wide participation in the democratic process” - hinting at Labour’s election pledge to give the vote to 16-year-olds
  • There are also plans to roll out “greater devolution” of decision making to metro mayors and combined authorities in England, give local leaders power over bus services, as well as work to “strengthen” Westminster’s relationship with the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments
  • And reform of the House of Lords is also on the cards - including the removal of hereditary peers’ right to sit and vote

On a more personal point…
The inclusion of both a Hillsborough Law and Martyn’s Law in the King’s Speech is a real victory for “people power”.

The first deals with how public officials conduct themselves at inquiries; the second covers the way public venues cater for the threat of terrorism.

Another big win is the modernisation of the Mental Health Act, aiming to bring it into this generation putting young people first.

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Did anyone catch the King’s speech today? The government has some really interesting plans lined up for the next parliament, especially around housing, renters’ rights, and public transport. I’m curious about the impact of bringing train operators into public ownership and local leaders getting control over bus services. How do you think these changes will affect daily commutes and public transport efficiency? Also, any thoughts on the proposal to remove the VAT exemption for private school fees to fund new teachers? This one seems like it could spark a lot of debate! What are your takes on it?

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The focus on housing, renters’ rights, and mental health reform is exciting

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I think bringing train operators under public control may help improve services. It will mean that profits will be reinvested into services rather than delivered to shareholders. Its also a good idea to put local councils in charge of bus services as it means people closest to the areas will have an input on where services are most needed.

On the private school fees, whilst I do recognise that it may increase the burden on state schools by pushing students from private schools to public schools. I believe that people who pay for private school fees should not be exempt from VAT as it is a commodity that they are paying for. Its important that we have a vested interest in the education for all, not a slim sector of society. By removing the VAT exemption additional funds can go to the public education sector, funding much needed teachers.

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Cannot lie, this sounds quite exciting! What specific measures do you think the government’s plans for “greater devolution” of decision-making powers to metro mayors and combined authorities in England will have on local communities, and how will this affect the balance of power between central government and local authorities?

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I think it is a good thing to put the decision making process closer to local communities. It allows people who know the area and its needs to implement decisions.

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