海角视频

The Chancellor’s Spring Statement, scheduled for March 26, 2025, will address the Spring Budget 2025, focusing on the critical issues of public finances, economic growth and household pressures. This statement will feature updated economic forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), which evaluates the state of public finances. 

Ahead of Budget Day, five experts from 海角视频 share their perspective on the changes they鈥檇 like to see across key areas of energy, planning, economics, transport and sustainability.

Chris Glover, Director of Total Utilities Management at 海角视频 said: 

鈥淓nergy prices will be a major concern for most in this Budget. Gas was always intended as a transitional energy source as we move away from coal to renewables. However, our reliance on gas and its price volatility is driving up the high cost of energy. Changing the price paid for generators wouldn’t require a significant investment, yet the cost and efficiency benefits would be visible for all. The transition to renewable energy is ongoing and crucial for achieving net zero targets, but it requires significant time and investment. What I really want to see are announcements about actual system reform at a national level and a much faster pace of change.  

“For instance, we currently pay around 拢1 billion per annum to curtail renewable energy generation when the grid cannot handle the power. This is an eye-watering amount of money that is simply passed on to customers, who end up paying for both the curtailed renewable energy and the gas that replaces it. This inefficiency significantly impacts energy bills. We urgently need more comprehensive system reforms to address these inefficiencies and support the transition to renewables. The concept of zonal pricing, where electricity costs vary by location, has been debated. While it could incentivize local generation, it may not be the best solution for all regions. Therefore, let’s focus on effective reforms to support the transition to a more sustainable and efficient energy system.”  

Claire Smith, Bath Office Director and Partner at 海角视频 said: 

鈥淚t would be really interesting to see the cost benefit analysis of an investment in the Spring Budget to adequately resource our Local Authority planning departments. This investment would ensure that clients and developers receive timely responses to planning applications, to an agreed programme, speeding up the start of construction projects.鈥� While further reform of the planning system may follow, properly staffing the currently under-resourced but excellent teams would improve expedience in the short term. 

鈥淪uch an investment that could instantly stimulate growth and boost build momentum of the much-needed housing and new office stock required.鈥�  

Ed Downer, Associate Transport Planner at 海角视频 said: 

鈥淭he infrastructure landscape has changed since last year’s budget, with commitments to housebuilding underlined by reforms to planning policy and processes. The Spring Statement is an opportunity to back these reforms with measures to kick-start economic activity and decarbonisation in the transport sector. This can start with further devolution and consolidation of transport funding alongside other funding streams, mirroring the ‘trailblazer’ deals in parts of the UK where single settlements cover transport, skills, and housing. This will enable more joined-up thinking between transport and growth in urban areas.  

鈥淧ump priming areas for growth by supporting regional 鈥榯ransport conversations鈥� with the wider public could also be considered to develop shared visions for future infrastructure and would provide a platform for better 鈥榲ision-led planning鈥�, increase the investment pipeline, and reduce the risk of public challenge. The time may also be right to revisit transport revenue generators such as road user charging, clean air zones, and increases on fuel duty. Although politically sensitive, these measures come in the context of other tough decisions on taxation and spending. They have been largely beneficial where implemented before and could help drive more sustainable lifestyles while supporting onward transport investment.鈥�  

Natasha Watson, Associate and Embodied Carbon Lead at 海角视频 said: 

鈥淚 would like the Spring Budget to support Labour鈥檚 manifesto commitments to sustainability.鈥� Regarding Britain becoming a clean energy superpower, we need an updated curriculum to teach climate literacy to young people and those retraining, ensure that appropriate apprenticeship opportunities are available, and that our economy is aligned with wellbeing and planetary limits.鈥�  

鈥淚 would also like to see fiscal incentives for retrofitting homes with insulation to slash fuel poverty and facilitate the transformation of existing buildings so that they can contribute towards Labour鈥檚 promise of 1.5million affordable new homes.鈥� Finally, I would love to see legislative incentives for sustainability to be implemented, such as the Climate and Nature Bill and Part Z, to safeguard the ability of future generations to prosper, as we cannot have growth on a dead planet.鈥�