Following weeks of speculation, the Chancellor finally took to the dispatch box earlier today to deliver a first Labour Budget in 14 years. In this short blog, Ben Goodwin, IEMA's Director of Policy and Public Affairs, reflects on the key announcements for the UK's natural environment.

As expected, hikes on employer's national insurance at 1.2% were announced alongside those on capital gains tax. Both with a view to ‘fixing the foundations’ and to enable the government to invest for growth.

The Chancellor reiterated the government’s plans to deliver an ambitious housebuilding programme of 1.5 million houses over the course of the parliament. This is much needed, but it’s critical that the planning reform to enable it does not come at a cost to the environment.

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Ben Goodwin AIEMA

Director of Policy and Public Affairs

Ben is Director of Policy and Public Affairs at IEMA. In this capacity he looks after the delivery of IEMA's core policy, practice and public affairs activities across a range of environmental and sustainability issues. Prior to joining the organisation Ben worked in several similar policy roles at organisations including the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Renewable Energy Association.