Policy in Practice

A group called Transport Action Network have taken the Government to judicial review to stop Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) from happening ( they lost ). Sadly, their approach does not appear about better outcomes but instead, shrouded in anti-car sentiment. This is a real shame as RIS2 offers a unique opportunity to change the Governments direction on road building and ensure public and active travel, as well as future connectivity are front and centre of how we invest in roads. To consider how this could be conceived, it is worth exploring several RIS projects to understand where they are succeeding and where they are failing. Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) – Growing rail The LTC has been in the pipeline for more than a decade, with the initial scoping commencing in 2009. Several different solutions were proposed but passenger rail was decided as unlikely to provide value for money. In 2021, with billions spent on HS2 and a climate emergency, this looks a very short-sighted decis...

I am proposing a retrofitting rebate paid from stamp duty With more than five million UK homes without cavity walls, almost five million built before 1919 and around 18 million built without insulation, the retrofit housing challenge is colossal. This challenge is made even more difficult because currently, low earners and older people are the only groups eligible for energy efficiency grants. This leaves a huge majority out. As part of its Future Homes Standard, the Government will soon consult on how we establish a Future Homes Standard for existing homes but for the March 2020 budget, the Government could signal its intention by allowing every home which pays stamp duty a rebate if they carry out accepted retrofitting work, carried out by registered companies and practices. The Government would benefit because it could retain stamp duty until rebated. Industry would have the confidence to invest in new techniques and opportunities. Homeowners would be less anxious about the payba...