The industry has broadly welcomed the government’s pledges in the King’s speech this week, which included overhauling both the apprenticeship levy and planning regulations.
The Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was “time to take the brakes off Britain” as he outlined proposals to streamline the planning process and generate economic growth.
Michelle Gardner, deputy policy director at Logistics UK, said: “Our members will welcome the new legislation to accelerate the delivery of critical transport and energy grid infrastructure.
“With the right planning policies, the logistics sector can optimise the movement of freight and speed up progress to net zero, helping to kickstart economic growth throughout the whole of the UK.”
She also said it was encouraging that the government aimed to empower local leaders to deliver for their communities and that it was an opportunity for regional mayors to work with the sector to unlock productivity.
The creation of a new body called Skills England to reform workforce training and overhaul the Apprenticeship Levy was supported by the RHA: “The Skills England Bill pledges to reform the apprenticeship levy which has long disadvantaged firms in our sector applying for funding,” said MD Richard Smith.
“We’re campaigning for greater flexibilty and access for our industry through a skills levy, and we’re confident the establishment of Skills England can make this a reality.
“We will be closely monitoring the Employment Rights Bill to ensure that labour market reforms are not rushed through and do more harm than good.
“We’re encouraged by a number of commitments in today’s King’s speech, some of which are key RHA campaign calls.”
CILT UK described the government’s plans as ambitious and it cautiously welcomed the intention to review the planning system, but it added there was a lot of work to be done and the details needed scrutinising.
Paul Lulham, CILT South East regional chair, said: “Whilst we welcome the emphasis in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on simplifying the consenting process for major infrastructure projects and improving the resourcing and performance of local planning authorities, it is vital that this is accompanied by the reinstatement of regional planning, to ensure that a firmer link is established between development and infrastructure, thereby achieving truly sustainable growth of the right type in the right places.”
Greg Ford, head of corporate at RED Training, acknowledged the new government’s aim to ease congestion, but he added: “There was little mention of tackling Britain’s crumbling road infrastructure, nor was there any sign of moves to cut road traffic accidents, which remain stubbornly high.”
Gardner said that in order to kickstart growth, the government needed to address costly trade friction with the EU: “It’s positive to hear the government’s commitment to resetting the relationship with European partners,” she said.
“Key to this is ensuring there is a clear plan to prevent the border disruption expected in the autumn when the EU Entry Exit System is introduced in addition to the next phase of the Border Target Operating Model import controls.”
