The election, skills, net zero and regs reform

[edit] NICEIC acknowledges the outcome of the general election

Following the outcome of the general election, NICEIC supports the new government's plans to tackle the skills gap, accelerate the transition to net zero, and reform building regulations. Technical Director at NICEIC, Paul Collins says: “We believe these priorities align closely with the needs of our certified businesses and the wider industry.”

[edit] What we know so far

On 5 July 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his cabinet following Labour’s win in the UK general election.

Ed Miliband assumed the role of Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. As Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (2008 to 2010), he oversaw the introduction of the UK Climate Change Act 2008, making the UK the first country to legally commit to climate targets. In an official statement, Ed Miliband outlined key objectives for addressing the climate crisis, including boosting energy independence, upgrading homes, and leading international climate action. To read more click here.

Rachel Reeves was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer. During her first speech as chancellor, Rachel Reeves declared an end to the ban on new onshore wind projects in England, paving the way for a surge in onshore wind installation.

Angela Rayner assumed the role of Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, and Deputy Prime Minister. Labour’s manifesto pledged to address the housing crisis through a combination of policy reforms, increased homebuilding, and support for first-time buyers. While it is too early to see how these changes will unfold, we expect to see a wave of policy and regulatory changes soon. The exact nature and extent of these changes remains uncertain until we receive further clarity from the government.

[edit] Supporting the electrical industry and NICEIC’s 40,0000 certified businesses

Paul Collins added: “Our commitment to public safety and the transition to net zero is reinforced through our continued work with the Building Safety Regulator, MCS, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. By advocating for our industry, we are actively helping to shape the future of the sector. NICEIC’s certification and training services remain essential to ensure the current workforce is delivering the high standards needed to address the current skills gap and meet demands for low carbon technologies.”

NICEIC continues to support its 40,000 NICEIC-certified businesses across a range of industry committees and working groups. These include JPEL/64; the working group responsible for the development of the BS 7671 – the British Standard for the Electrical Industry against which NICEIC-certified businesses for electrotechnical work are assessed, and The Future Home Standards Steering Group which is advising government and setting the rules for how new homes should be built to use less energy and reduce carbon emissions.

NICEIC is continuing to closely monitor developments and is providing NICEIC-certified businesses with updates.

This article was issued via press release as 'NICEIC acknowledges the outcome of the general election' dated July 17, 2024.

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