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 packed King’s Speech that included 40 bills announced by the government, there were three areas that particularly caught the eye here at NAPIT which showed a coordinated approach to getting to net zero, plans to build more new homes and changes to the apprenticeship levy.
The Great Britain Energy Bill and other legislation to unleash investment in energy infrastructure will create a “control centre” responsible for coordinating Labour’s target to achieve clean energy by 2030, as well as reducing approval timelines for nationally significant infrastructure projects to accelerate the deployment of new generation renewable energy.
Changes to the planning system will be introduced in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, and the Skills England Bill will see the reform of the apprenticeship levy and the creation of Skills England which will have a new partnership with employers at its heart.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has also unveiled plans for a “solar roof revolution” aimed at getting more homes fitted with solar panels. The government is expected to work with industry to make it easier for new homes to be fitted with solar panels, or have them installed on existing homes.
Ministers are also reportedly looking to introduce solar standards on new properties from next year.
Frank Bertie, managing director of NAPIT, said: “The government has said it wants to get Britain to re-build and electrify its energy system which will need more heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle chargers.
“These measures taken together are very encouraging and will all require a skilled and qualified workforce to deliver the necessary changes and make the most of these opportunities. NAPIT and its members will play a key role in ensuring that there are sufficient numbers of skilled installers in electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, small energy generation and building fabrics in the UK’s domestic, commercial and industrial markets.
“I hope the government will work with industry schemes and training providers to ensure the ambitious targets in the new bills are met.”
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