The UK’s construction industry is on a roll, experiencing its strongest growth in over two years! And the reason? A wave of optimism fuelled by Labour’s plans to shake up planning laws.

Building Boom Time:

Experts are reporting a surge in activity across the board – from building homes to commercial projects and infrastructure. The latest figures from S&P Global Market Intelligence show a significant jump in construction, signaling a strong recovery from the recession of last year.

Labour’s Planning Power:

What’s driving this construction boom? Experts point to Labour’s proposed planning reforms, which are being welcomed by the industry. The government’s commitment to setting clear local housing targets and making planning processes more transparent is giving businesses confidence to invest.

Andrew Harker, the economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, says: “The recent growth slowdown in June, linked to the election, was just a temporary blip. We’re seeing a strong rebound in July, with a surge in new orders and construction activity.”

Kelly Boorman, the national head of construction at RSM UK, adds: “The construction industry is on the up, and this positive sentiment is a direct result of the government’s focus on local housing targets and more transparent planning.”

A Word of Caution:

While the news is positive, there are some potential downsides to consider. Harker warns that rising demand could lead to price increases. He says: “The strong demand is pushing the sector closer to its limits, and we are seeing signs of inflationary pressures increasing.”

The Future Looks Bright:

Despite the potential for price pressures, experts are cautiously optimistic about the future of the construction industry. Jordan Smith, technical director at property consultancy Thomas & Adamson, says: “We’re seeing a real pick-up in construction activity, and there’s a genuine sense that the new government’s plans will be a major boost for the sector.”