Westminster Social Policy Forum

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***

This conference will assess priorities and next steps for regeneration across London.

The discussion at a glance:

• the forthcoming new London Plan - the way forward for implementing strategies for increasing economic development, reducing inequalities, and tackling deprivation
  
  • with keynote contributions from BEIS and the GLA
• the major Planning for the future white paper - assessing the impact on London, as the Government consults on its proposals, including:
  
  • reform of local plans
  • an Infrastructure Levy to replace current developer contributions
  • zero carbon ready homes to prevent future retrofitting
    
    • with London councils’ concerns around the role of local authorities in government’s plans for a zoning system, quality and affordable housing, and reducing carbon emissions
• COVID-19 - looking at progress and priorities for economic, health and social recovery in London and tackling ongoing economic and social disruption
• local regeneration - supporting the key enablers across London
• infrastructure project delivery - including in housing and transport
• economic growth corridors - and expanding regeneration outside London

The agenda:

• Key priorities for the London Plan and regeneration - improving housing delivery, infrastructure development, and adapting to changes in behaviour following the pandemic
• Supporting economic recovery across the capital
• Latest thinking on the London Plan and priorities for designing local development strategies - supporting business growth, healthy town centres, and improving quality of life
• Utilising Opportunity Areas and addressing the challenges for the development of growth corridors - housing capacity, investment, infrastructure and connectivity
• Delivering major infrastructure projects across London to improve connectivity and support local regeneration

The discussion in detail:

Driving local regeneration

Developing strategic plans - including in the context of London’s Industrial Strategy:

• support for SMEs
  
  • including the work of the London Economic Action Partnership in direct project funding, debt finance, and schemes for innovation
• local plans - looking at tailored approaches to regeneration such as through the Mayor’s initiatives on high streets
  
  • stronger partnerships - between local authorities, businesses and communities
  • public spaces - priorities for improvements to that support quality of life
• employment - integrating skills and job opportunities with support for regeneration
  
  • collaboration - with local schools and colleges for skills development
  • improving partnerships - involving employers and local stakeholders, to take advantage of the Skills for Londoners Capital Fund as it nears the end of its programme

COVID-19

Economic recovery - including priorities for the London Transition Board and the London Recovery Board:

• safe re-opening - supporting economic recovery while also protecting vulnerable groups and containing the spread of the virus
• supporting small-scale businesses and local communities adversely affected by the pandemic, through initiatives such as the London Resilience Fund
• coordination - across boroughs and other the public sector bodies, as well as businesses and local communities
• national leadership and inclusive growth -  London’s role in helping lead recovery and regeneration across the south east and the rest of the UK - including supporting key construction projects

Infrastructure and regeneration

• transport:
  
  • the Old Oak Common project - its super-hub station connecting to HS2 and the Elizabeth Line, and its potential for stimulating new developments in West London
  • new rail and intermodal links - increasing regional and city-wide connectivity for businesses, and for improving access to employment
  • large projects - priorities for developments attracting regional investment and construction of housing, retail spaces, and public areas
• housing - delivering the London Housing Strategy and new and affordable housing:
  
  • the new London Plan - next steps with:
    
    • housing provision under discussion between the Mayor and Central government
    • guidance on Good Quality Homes for all Londoners due for consultation soon
  • engagement of key stakeholders - including construction companies, housing developers, and local boroughs, to deliver fresh housing capacity
  • Opportunity Areas - and accelerating construction on brownfield sites for housing as well as further transport links
• Redevelopment:
  
  • large-scale projects - such as Battersea Power Station:
  • opportunities - strategies for regenerating communities, stimulating housing construction, and increasing local economic activity
  • the Good Growth Fund - the Mayor’s regeneration programme supporting community based project

Economic growth corridors and regeneration outside London

• the Lower Thames Crossing project - new road infrastructure connecting the London economy more closely with those in Kent and Essex, and throughout the region
• partnerships - matching physical connectivity with strengthened relationships between regional businesses, accelerating the flow of ideas, capital and projects

Policy officials attending

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders.

It is certainly the case with this conference. Places have already been reserved by officials from the Greater London Authority; the Cabinet Office; MHCLG; BEIS; the Department of Transport; the Infrastructure & Projects Authority; the National Infrastructure Commission; DCMS; Defra; HM Revenue & Customs; the Crown Commercial Service; and the Department for International Trade.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***

This conference focuses on the future for the Northern Powerhouse - as the Government reemphasises the importance of its levelling up agenda and infrastructure development as part of the economic recovery from COVID-19.

The discussion at a glance:

• delivery of local industrial strategies
• infrastructure and funding for the region
• developing skills and R&D capability
• environmental policy
• economic recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

The discussion in detail:

Delivery of local industrial strategies (LIS)

• coordination - linking the range of regional economic priorities across the North and supporting balanced economic growth
• collaboration - building the working relationships with neighbouring regions, such as North Wales and the Midlands
• the West Yorkshire devolution deal - next steps moving forward

Funding for the region

• COVID-19 - supporting economic recovery for businesses and individuals as part of the pandemic response
• the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - priorities for the North
• Town Deals - regeneration and maximising benefit for communities selected as part of the Towns Fund
• inward investment - strategies for attracting wider backing from investors, businesses and others

Developing skills and R&D capability in the North

• deepening partnerships - strategies for promoting joint working between universities and industry
• skills alignment - linking the delivery of education and training with what businesses need

Environmental policy

• the North of England and net zero  - the role of the region in the national move to bear down on carbon emissions and improve natural capital
• NP11 - next steps for the group of 11 of the region's LEPs, covering 76 local authorities, following their Northern Powerhouse: Energy and Clean Growth report outlining the potential for reducing the region’s carbon emissions by 50% against 2005 levels by 2032

Infrastructure priorities:

• Transport:
  
  • HS2 - its impact on Northern connectivity following the Oakervee Review and government commitments to delivering Phase 2b in full
  • implementation priorities - implementing phase 2b and Northern Powerhouse Rail
  • new transport plans - for mayoral authorities
  • arrangements for running the North’s rail services, the future for Northern Rail, and priorities for reopening lines
• Housing:
  
  • the construction corridor - plans to make the North of England a world leader in Modern Methods of Construction and develop environmental-friendly hjousing between Leeds and Liverpool
  • impact of national housing policy on new developments - including MHCLG’s plans to introduce a new National Model Design Code and extend the Affordable Homes Programme
• Digital:
  
  • improving connectivity - priorities for expanding mobile coverage, the roll out of full-fibre broadband, and tackling the digital divide as more and more people work from home and remotely
  • 5G - looking ahead as government outlines more support for the 5G testbed programme, and as Liverpool 5G testbed continues its work aimed at reducing the digital divide

Why this is relevant to discuss now - the context:

• new policies impacting the North - developments in devolution and mayoral authorities, research and development, affordable housing and digital infrastructure
• a new Northern Powerhouse growth board - to support the Government’s levelling up agenda
• economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19
  
  • the Northern Powerhouse Partnership five point plan for government support, prioritising:
    
    • training - for those who have lost their jobs or left school
    • extra teaching - for children who have fallen behind during the crisis
    • employment - support for the growth of green energy jobs
    • infrastructure - transport and digital infrastructure projects
  • the Post-Pandemic Economic Growth super-inquiry by the BEIS Committee - examining the Government’s levelling up agenda and identifying what reformative measures are required at the local, regional and national level to help businesses and the economy thrive in the future
• Funding:
  
  • Supporting Bus and Light Rail Services - part of the government programme for the region’s response to COVID-19, aimed at protecting and increasing transport services
  • the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - designed to replace EU Structural Funding as a tool to reduce regional inequalities; supporting collaboration between neighbouring regions
  • Town Deals - with 45 places in the Northern Powerhouse named as named as beneficiaries, each allowed to bid for £25m funding
  • the West Yorkshire devolution deal - to include a metro mayor, £1.1bn for investment over the next 30 years, and increased control over local services
  • the South Yorkshire devolution deal - being set for approval in Parliament, with the region due to receive £900m in investment over the next 30 years and the metro mayor being granted new powers of control over transport, strategic planning and skills
  • levelling up research and development -  with a government commitment of an extra £22bn in this area by 2024/2025
• Transport:
  
  • coordination - a new Northern Transport Acceleration Council to improve communication between local government in the North and ministers
  • trunk roads - details of major upgrades and the preferred route for the £1bn A66 Northern Trans-Pennine scheme released by Highways England following public consultation
  • rail:
    
    • Trans Pennine - the Transport Secretary announcing £589m for the main line between Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester
    • digitisation - the East Coast Main Line announced as the first rail link to use digital systems in place of conventional signalling following a £350m investment from DfT
    • future needs - the National Infrastructure Commission’s Rail Needs Assessment examining HS2 integration with other rail investments in the North such as Northern Powerhouse Rail
    • connectivity - government funding to develop proposals to reopen rail lines that were closed as part of the Beeching cuts

The agenda:

• Strategic priorities for the Northern Powerhouse and its role in economic recovery from the pandemic
• Delivering balanced economic growth across the Powerhouse - supporting communities, key sectors, and individuals, and attracting businesses and investment:
  
  • Balancing regional economic priorities, attracting investment, and implementing Local Industrial Strategies
  • Tackling the productivity gap, developing skills, harnessing new technology, and utilising growing opportunities for business
  • Strategies for establishing world-leading R&D facilities across the Powerhouse
  • Achieving success across the Powerhouse in progress towards net-zero emissions and priorities for improving natural capital
• Next steps for infrastructure development in the North - connectivity, value for money, and maximising the economic impact:
  
  • Future housing developments and creating a construction corridor
  • The future for rail infrastructure in the region - building trust in the network, linking with active travel schemes, and moving forward with Northern Powerhouse Rail
  • Priorities for HS2 - policy certainty, cost-efficient services, engaging with communities, and contribution to economic growth
  • Expanding digital infrastructure to support a change in working patterns and behaviour, improving the quality of service, and accelerating 5G rollout
• Priorities for the Northern Powerhouse moving forward

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders.

It is certainly the case with this conference. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the All Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group and the House of Commons, and officials from BEIS; MHCLG; the Cabinet Office; the Department for Transport; Homes England; the Office of Rail and Road; the National Infrastructure Commission; the DCMS; the Department for International Trade; the DHSC; the DWP; the Education and Skills Funding Agency; the Health & Safety Executive; Industrial Strategy Council; the Government Legal Department; the National Audit Office; the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the Welsh Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***

This timely conference will assess the next steps for English towns.

Areas for discussion include:

• priorities for Town Deals,
• developing housing and transport infrastructure, and
• supporting economic growth.

We also expect discussion on the strategies and support needed by towns, those who live and work in them, and their local economies, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn.

Areas of focus include:

• citizen wellbeing, and services and public spaces - and lessons going forward for how these have been supported and maintained during the crisis,
• employment - with communities with reliance on particular industries such as aviation and engineering being hardest hit, and
• high streets - particularly what can learned from how small businesses have adapted to continue to play a key role in their communities during lockdown, and the way forward to wider recovery.

Why this is relevant: the context:

It takes place with:

• Government initiatives aimed at reviving local econoimies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
  
  • launch of the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, providing £50m for local authorities so that measures to support a safe reopening of high streets can be implemented, and
  • the new Cultural Renewal Taskforce tasked with helping plan the safe reopening of the recreation and leisure sectors.
• Recently announced funding for Business Improvement Districts aimed at help town centres and high streets through the pandemic;
• The UK2070 Commission on city and regional inequalities in the UK preparing a progress report, following their final report in February included recommendations to:
  
  • invest in connectivity, and
  • strengthen the local economies of disadvantaged towns.
• Government accelerating its plans for regenerating English towns - as 100 places are chosen to take part in new Town Deals;
• Formation of Town Deal Boards, with Government expecting to receive Town Investment Plans by summer 2020;
• Introduction of a ‘Towns Hub’ within MHCLG - seeking to help local communities draft their investment plans and share best practice, as well as:
  
  • a new advisory panel - to include a range of entrepreneurs and industry experts - geared towards helping government deliver its policy agenda, and
  • the Town of the Year competition - designed to shine a light on the individual achievements of English towns.
• MHCLG announcing that ‘hundreds of millions’ of the £1bn Future High Streets Fund will be invested across England in 2020; and
• A planned National Bus Strategy to be published later this year following the announcement of £5bn to develop bus and cycle links for every region outside London.

Key areas for discussion:

• Maximising impact of the Towns Fund and the deals, and how they can best be structured and implemented to regenerate towns and coastal communities, including:
  
  • the role and make up of Town Deal Boards - to be made up of a cross-section of stakeholders in the public, private and voluntary sectors,
  • Town Investment Plans - setting out evidence-based investment requirements, and aligning with local industrial strategies and other local plans,
  • A case study in successful town regeneration projects - with a contribution from - Dr Kris Declercq, Mayor, Roeselare, Belgium and President, West-Vlaamse Intercommunale, and
  • A case study on the first ‘Town Deal’ - the story from Greater Grimsby - with a contribution from - Rob Walsh, Chief Executive, North East Lincolnshire Council.
• Planning and place-making - priorities when regenerating English towns in the context of:
  
  • the forthcoming Accelerated Planning White Paper - which sets out government plans to speed up the planning system, and
  • revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework - implemented last year.
• Improving what towns offer their communities and visitors, including:
  
  • priorities for the Cultural Renewal Taskforce as they help plan the reopening of the UK’s recreation and leisure sector,
  • provision of local services - following the Local Government secretary announcing increased funding for local authorities for the next financial year of £49.2bn,
  • protecting and developing cultural heritage - with introduction of the £250m Culture Investment Fund - designed to support libraries, museums and other cultural projects.
• Infrastructure - what more can be done to meet the housing and transport needs of towns and their surrounding areas:
  
  • improving transport connections, reliability and bus services, following the Budget and ahead of the National Bus Strategy due later this year, and
  • ensuring that housing is appropriate and optimally located to support economic growth.
• English high streets and local retailers - priorities for regeneration - especially in light of the COVID-19 crisis but also with the Future High Streets Fund - whereby 101 areas have been chosen to apply for up to £25m worth of funding.

The agenda:

• The policy outlook for English Towns;
• Supporting prosperity and learning from successful town regeneration projects;
• Case study - developing a town deal;
• Priorities for making best use of the Towns Fund, developing Town Investment Plans and linking with Local Industrial Strategies;
• Meeting the housing needs of local communities and making sure the right type of housing is in the right place;
• Developing local transport networks, improving bus services and integrating services effectively;
• Improving accessibility to greenspace and its contribution toward the health of local communities; and
• The future for supporting vibrant, healthy and distinct communities - culture, regeneration and opportunity.

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders.

It’s certainly the case with this one. Places have been reserved by officials from MHCLG; BEIS; the Cities & Local Growth Unit; DCMS; Defra; the Department for International Trade; the Department for Transport; HM Revenue & Customs; the Office for National Statistics; the Office of Government Property and the Office for Product Safety and Standards.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***

This conference is bringing together key stakeholders with policymakers to assess the next steps for affordable housing in England.

Key areas for discussion:

Priorities for implementing the affordable homes programme and how affordable housing fits into wider government homebuilding plans;

• The impact of the Public Land for Housing Programme;
• What more should be done to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support the development of new homes;
• Priorities for the forthcoming Accelerated Planning White Paper - including plans for simplifying planning permission guidance so commercial buildings can be replaced with housing more efficiently;
• Changes to Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) and government priorities for improving the quality of affordable housing; and
• Next steps for making home ownership more affordable.

Developments that are relevant to the discussion:

• The Chancellor confirming the new and enlarged affordable homes programme will receive a further £3bn in investment, equating to a new multi-year settlement worth £12bn;
• The Planning White Paper outlined in the Queen’s Speech - which will set out government plans aimed at streamlining and speeding up the planning system;
• MHCLG’s plans for housing and planning stating that a new housing strategy is coming later this year - expected to detail long-term plans for affordability and delivery;
• Homes England announcing recent land acquisitions means it can deliver an extra 5,000 new homes across England - 30 percent of which are expected to be affordable; and
• The Government releasing a series of policies designed to make home ownership more affordable - including:
  
  • The First Homes scheme;
  • Changes to the Help to Buy programme; and
  • Plans to reform the shared ownership model.

The agenda:

• Affordable housing in England - the policy landscape and priorities for the future;
• Defining affordability and engaging with the private sector in the delivery of social housing;
• Priorities for local authorities - innovation, affordability and key issues for the planning system;
• Prioritising design in the planning process and the Building Better, Building Beautiful vision;
• Addressing the funding challenges of delivering affordable homes - investment, innovative and local housing companies;
• Ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support new developments and housing as an infrastructure priority; and
• Priorities for accelerating the delivery of affordable housing - practicalities, planning, quality of homes and supporting local growth.

Policy officials attending

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders.

It’s certainly the case with this one. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons Library and by a range of officials from the MHCLG and Homes England; as well as BEIS; the Ministry of Justice; the Government Legal Department; the Government Legal Organisation; the Cabinet Office; the Civil Service; the Crown Commercial Service; the Health and Safety Executive and the Department for International Trade.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***

This conference focuses on the next steps for the Midlands Engine.

Key stakeholders and policymakers will examine latest research on what is needed to deliver economic growth in the Midlands, and discuss how to address the challenges for achieving it.

Of course, we expect there to be a focus across the conference on the way forward for the region in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic - taking into full account the human cost, but in particular focusing on what will be needed from local stakeholders and from government for the Midlands economy to regain its momentum. It follows the release by the WMCA of a plan to put climate change at the centre of economic recovery with a target of the West Midlands being carbon neutral by 2041.

The discussion in detail:

• The first Independent Economic Review from the Engine, designed to better understand the opportunities and challenges for growing the Midlands economy, which raises issues in the areas of:
  
  • productivity - and its variability between different sectors in the Midlands
  • for starting and growing businesses  - and the challenges relating to skills, infrastructure (including East-West transport), and access to finance
  • moving forward - on collaboration in science and innovation, industrial digitisation, support for international business opportunities, and addressing outdated perceptions of the region
• Delivery of local industrial strategies (LIS) across the region and how best to balance economic growth
• Priorities for the Midlands Engine Internationalisation Strategy - with a focus on developing strategic partnerships, global trade and attracting foreign direct investment
• Creating the optimum conditions for economic growth, including the way forward for:
  
  • developing strategic partnerships for the Midlands - including in research and collaboration on innovation
  • increasing the region’s involvement in global trade
  • attracting foreign direct investment
• Strategies for developing dynamism and skills in the regional economy:
  
  • Supporting local authorities and industries in the region, looking at innovation and utilising research strengths areas such as civil engineering, manufacturing and space technology
  • Skills development, including priorities for the refreshed strategy on productivity and wages
• What local communities and businesses need from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to effectively replace and build upon EU Structural Funding
• Infrastructure development, finance and delivery:
  
  • Regional connectivity and HS2 - following the publication of the Oakervee Review of HS2
  • Regional transport - priorities for rail investment in Midlands, and the ongoing work of Midlands Connect in developing the other six schemes within the Midlands Engine Rail Programme
  • Digital connectivity - developments in increasing mobile coverage and the roll out of full-fibre broadband, and the recent 5G pilot initiatives
  • Housing - priorities for meeting demand across the region
  • Environmental priorities and transition to net zero - how to ensure that infrastructure supports current aims, including developing eco-friendly homes and improving public transport
  • Funding of future projects - what more can be done to drive public and private investment to the region

Developments that are relevant to the discussion:

• Analysis by KPMG finding that the Midlands will be the region hardest hit in the UK by the economic turndown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic
• The West Midlands Local Industrial Strategy, which sets out plans to boost the region as an advanced manufacturing hub, and takes place with further LIS due to be published
• The forthcoming refreshed Midlands Engine Strategy - due to focus on regional collaboration and growing the economy
• Local councils and transport bodies in the East Midlands releasing a £2.7bn plan to improve transport networks that can join up to the HS2 East Midlands Hub station at Toton
• The Midlands Rail Hub Project receiving £20m in investment in the Budget, meaning that an Outline Business Case can now be made - with more detailed planning on design and costing
• Government issuing a ‘Notice to proceed’ on HS2 - approving main design and construction works to move forward in line with latest public health advice
• The Independent Construction Commissioner’s role extended to include oversight of HS2 Phase 2a - now also working to improve community relations on the West Midlands to Crewe route
• The National Infrastructure Strategy and the Infrastructure Finance Review, both due to be published

The agenda:

• The Midlands Engine Independent Economic Review - key findings and implications
• Creating optimum conditions for economic growth in the Midlands:
  
  • How to prioritise rail investment in the Midlands
  • Implementing local industrial strategies - raising productivity, utilising data and engaging effectively with business
  • Attracting strategic partnerships, global trade and foreign direct investment
  • Strategies for creating a dynamic regional economy - R&D and innovation as drivers of sustainable and inclusive growth
  • Supporting manufacturing and high performing industries in the Engine
  • Priorities for economic recovery post-COVID
• Financing and developing infrastructure to support economic growth:
  
  • Meeting local housing needs and supporting growth - increasing supply, improving affordability and making best use of land
  • Priorities for regional connectivity and HS2 post Oakervee review
  • The future for digital infrastructure in the Midlands - accessibility, full-fibre networks and 5G test beds
  • Assessing strategies for decarbonisation, improving biodiversity net-gain and enhancing natural capital
  • The future for project finance following the Infrastructure Finance Review
• Delivering the Refreshed Midlands Engine Strategy

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders.

It’s certainly the case with this one. Places have been reserved by officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; DCMS; Defra; the Department for Education; the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; the Department for International Trade; the Department for Transport; the Environment Agency; the Health and Safety Executive; Homes England; MHCLG; the Midlands Engine Investment Hub; the Office of Rail and Road; Ofwat and the Planning Inspectorate.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

This conference will examine building regulations in England - focusing on implementing the new framework, assessing effectiveness and priorities for improving safety.

It will be an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss:

• implementing the new regulatory system;
• improving industry competence;
• priorities for resident safety; and
• options for regulation and legislation.

The conference takes place in the context of:

• plans to introduce a new Building Safety Regulator - backed by strong sanctions for non-compliance - and with the Building Safety Bill expected in this parliamentary session;
• government consulting on implementing recommendations in its response to Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry through the Fire Safety Bill expected this summer; and
• phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, with hearings having recently resumed.

Speakers and chairs

There will be keynote contributions from:

• Peter Baker, Director, Building Safety Programme Response, Health & Safety Executive;
• Professor Susan Bright, Law Faculty, University of Oxford;
• Peter Caplehorn, Deputy Chief Executive, Construction Products Association and Deputy Chair, IRG Competence Steering Group;
• Dr Graham Spinardi, Fire Safety Engineering, University of Edinburgh; and
• Martin Taylor, Director, Regulatory Policy, Local Authority Building Control.

Further speakers include: Andrew Carpenter, Structural Timber Association and Construction Excellence South West; Adrian Dobson, Royal Institute of British Architects; Laura Hughes, Association of British Insurers and Mark Snelling, Association of Residential Management Agents.

Rt Hon the Lord Stunell, Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson for Construction and Rt Hon the Lord Whitty have kindly agreed to chair this seminar.

The agenda

• Building regulations: the evolving landscape and priorities going forward;
• Assessing the effectiveness of the new regulatory framework:
  
  • Local authorities and building regulations - planning, working with partners, and priorities for enforcement;
  • Improving industry competence and the culture around compliance;
  • Ensuring safety in high-rise residential buildings - design, retrofit, and risk assessment;
  • Learning from the regulation of high-risk industries;
  • Improving fire safety, making sure residents feel safe in their homes, and effectively engaging communities; and
  • Engaging with residents in building safety measures.
• Next steps for cladding removal, non-domestic buildings and ensuring safety;
• Addressing the challenges for implementing changes to the regulatory system; and
• Next steps for policy.

Engagement with policy officials at this conference

This Westminster Social Policy Forum conference has attracted strong interest from policymakers. It will be an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with officials who have reserved places representing: MHCLG; BEIS; HSE; the Cabinet office; Committee on Climate Change; Defra; Department for International Trade; Department for Transport; NAO; The Office for Low Emission Vehicles and the Welsh Government.