Latest updates and stories from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its Members

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Business Council has met with the Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary, Steve Reed MP, to call for planning reform to deliver growth.  

During the meeting the Secretary of State took questions from some of the UK’s major firms on how the planning system in England can help businesses to invest and recruit. The event, hosted by business council member Openreach was chaired by the BCC’s new President, Andy Haldane. 

The meeting follows the recent publication of the BCC’s ‘Planning Business and Growth’ report. It called for a ‘fundamental reimagining of how planning authorities operate and interact with the business community’. The BCC Planning Skills Fund, supported by Aviva, another council member, is already training planning students at universities across the UK, thanks to private sector capital.   

BCC President, Andy Haldane, said: 

“For too long, planning has been a real drag on economic growth, with businesses battling against a complex and slow system.  

“The message from the BCC Business Council to the Secretary of State, today, was clear – the government’s reforms are a great start, but ministers must go further and faster.  

“Until planning truly offers certainty and speed, investment will continue to sit on the sidelines rather than flowing into the communities that need growth the most.” 

Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government said: 

“It was great to hear members of the Business Council discuss how they’re supporting the government’s goal to get the UK economy back on its feet this morning.  

“Planning reforms are a big part of that – they will lead to more homes being built and more jobs being created. We’re already seeing signs that it’s working.  

“We are determined to end the housing crisis and rebuild the country.”