Budget 2015
Following the budget, please click here for a special report from us detailing those aspects which relate to local government, planning and housing. This includes direct extracts from the Budget 2015 publication by HM Government.
Of particular interest is the Government’s announcement of 20 housing zones outside London, with the potential to deliver 34,000 new homes. The government have also set out their intention to release public sector land with capacity for up to 150,000 new homes between 2015 and 2020. There will also be a review of the role of local authorities in housing supply.
All of these announcements demonstrate that there will be an increase in the pace of housing development over the coming years, which is likely to remain the case irrespective of who forms the post-May Westminster government. As the regional breakdown of our report sets out, there are significant new opportunities for the private sector emerging in different parts of the country, from London (with increased powers to the Mayor) to the north (which has become a particular focus for the government).
Cratus is well placed to support its clients in seeking to take advantage of these opportunities, aligning their commercial interests with the evolving priorities of both national and local government. Although there is a General Election – and a number of local elections – on 7th May 2015, many of the existing opportunities will step up a gear after polling day. Cratus is keeping a watching brief on emerging announcements – as well as identifying how the private sector can best respond to the outcome of May’s elections at a national and local level.
Finally, Cratus was delighted that the Chancellor announced a £25 million fund to support elderly veterans, including nuclear test veterans. Cratus was proud to be part of the campaign to highlight the plight of nuclear test veterans, working to support the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association’s efforts to secure an overdue recognition of the contribution made by these individuals and the suffering they endured as a result. Cratus’s work to assist this campaign was part of our Corporate Social Responsibility agenda to support causes we believe in.
