Rental Reform and Solar Panels to be key pledges in King’s Speech

Leaks over the weekend from what would appear to be government sources suggest some 35 new Bills will be in the first legislative programme of the Starmer government.

This will include a resuscitated version of the Renters Reform Bill plus domestic energy efficiency measures based around the proliferation of solar panels. The goal is to streamline the installation of solar panels on new and existing homes. Discussions are also underway to introduce solar- standards for new-build properties starting next year.

This so-called "rooftop revolution" initiative is part of a wider review of energy supply and the creation of GB Energy, a new publicly-owned company. 

Currently, while installing solar panels does not require formal planning permission, there are restrictions on their placement on buildings, particularly in conservation areas and on listed properties. The government is considering revising regulations to facilitate broader adoption of panels.

The leaks about the King’s Speech suggest that there will be legislation empowering the Office for Budget Responsibility to publish independent forecasts of major fiscal events, to avoid a repeat of Liz Truss’s disastrous mini-budget in 2022; and two Home Office Bills are expected, concerning anti-social behaviour and border security.

The speech is given at around 11.30am on Wednesday by the King, and is then debated in the House of Commons for several days before being voted on by MPs.

The Commons is to have a shorter recess than usual this summer, rising on July 31 and returning on September 1.