2023 UK local elections – an idea of what’s to come?

The 2023 local elections provided a good opportunity for parties to demonstrate their commitment towards tackling the major issues facing our communities.

This included setting clear policies for creating high-quality homes, regenerating and repurposing high streets as well as sustainable placemaking and infrastructure investment. Underpinning a significant amount of the incoming local government administration will be the UK levelling up agenda.

The results aligned largely with what the polls predicted, but it was a disappointing outcome for the Conservative Party. What they do demonstrate, however, is the important role the built environment is playing in the British political landscape.

Conservative Party changes to reforms

Political commentators and even senior Conservative parliamentarians were quick to highlight the government's position on housing, especially the scrapping of the 300,000 annual new build target, as a significant challenge on the doorstep.

This concern appears to be resonating with central government, which within a week of the election has seen the government:

• Delay publication of the Renters Reform Bill.
• U-turned on planned leasehold reforms.
• Float the idea of a return for Help to Buy, or a similar scheme.

The delay in the publication of the Renters Reform Bill could well be down to its unpopularity among many Conservative members, so it could allow the Government to water down some planned reforms.

The backtrack on leasehold reform, according to Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove is due to the realistic timings to get the reforms through Parliament – however, the promise of reforming leaseholds also makes for an appealing election policy for younger generations who overwhelmingly are calling for a change in the system. The return to Help to Buy or similar could further prove an appealing message on the doorstep to many first-time buyers who the party need to win over to remain in government.

Labour Party proposals for change

The local elections proved a good night for the Labour Party, which for the first time since 2002, is now the largest party in local government in England.

On the doorstep, Labour prioritised tackling the cost of living with voters, with a proposed council tax freeze if in power proving a popular message. In the week following the election, they are building on voter sentiment about the government's position on housing, and in the last few days have announced:

• Introducing a levy on foreign buyers of UK homes – potentially 2% extra on stamp duty.
• Restricting new build developments to first-time buyers.
• Doubling down on planned reforms to leaseholds.

Overall, it was clear that housing and the cost of living featured prominently in this election. It is noticeable that high streets and town centres did not attract as much political focus as might have been expected, especially given the governments levelling up commitment.

As new council authorities begin to take shape, many have already teased what priority areas might be – including a focus on housebuilding, active travel and critical infrastructure including new health and education provisions. Over the coming months, RICS will be working with members and wider industry to develop comprehensive plans for what we wish to see included in party manifestos ahead of the general election next year. This includes creating safe, green and affordable homes, reinvigorating our town centres and creating a sustainable infrastructure system that puts placemaking at its heart.