New Chancellor Rachel Reeves promises planning revolution and hints at tax hikes

Chancellor Reeves pledges to shake up planning system

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled plans for a planning revolution aimed at boosting growth in Britain. Reeves is prepared for short-term challenges as she pushes through controversial reforms to the planning system.

Reforms include national-level decision-making and ending bans on wind farms

The proposed changes involve centralizing decisions on major energy projects, bypassing local communities, and lifting restrictions on land-based wind farms. Reeves aims to overhaul planning rules to increase homeownership and spark economic growth.

Chancellor's vision for the future

Reeves plans to implement mandatory local house building targets to construct 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. Additionally, she intends to remove the ban on onshore wind farms in England and prioritize energy projects in the planning process.

Concerns over tax hikes and financial challenges

Economists predict that tax increases may be necessary to fund public services under the new government. Reeves has requested an assessment of the economic situation left by the previous administration and warned of tough decisions ahead.

Opposition and future plans

While facing potential opposition, Reeves remains determined to push forward with her agenda. She plans to present her first Budget in the autumn and has not ruled out revisiting projects like the HS2 rail link with private sector support.

Historic milestone for Chancellor Reeves

Rachel Reeves, the first female Chancellor, expressed her pride in breaking barriers in politics during a visit to a housing project in South London with Deputy PM Angela Rayner.