Richard Hebditch
@richard.hebditch.org
I'm a board member of London TravelWatch & coordinator of the Better Planning Coalition. Previously: charities streets transport heritage environment philanthropy
Latest on squeeze on high labour/low capital costs firms (eg hospitality and tourism sectors) after the employer NI increases last year. Incentivising firms to invest in capital instead.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
November 25, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Latest on squeeze on high labour/low capital costs firms (eg hospitality and tourism sectors) after the employer NI increases last year. Incentivising firms to invest in capital instead.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
"England’s mayors will be able to invest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy through a new levy on overnight stays."
Will London's share of this get swallowed up by having to fix the hole in TfL's budget caused by the fare freeze announced at the weekend?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Will London's share of this get swallowed up by having to fix the hole in TfL's budget caused by the fare freeze announced at the weekend?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Levy on overnight trips will help mayors invest in local growth
England’s mayors will be able to invest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy through a new levy on overnight stays.
www.gov.uk
November 25, 2025 at 4:46 PM
"England’s mayors will be able to invest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy through a new levy on overnight stays."
Will London's share of this get swallowed up by having to fix the hole in TfL's budget caused by the fare freeze announced at the weekend?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Will London's share of this get swallowed up by having to fix the hole in TfL's budget caused by the fare freeze announced at the weekend?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Little bit of government arm twisting behind Motability's new target for half the vehicles it leases to be UK-made by 2035?
Seems an unrealistic target given how few UK-made cars are sold overall in UK (only around 1 in 5).
news.mo.co.uk/news/motabil...
Seems an unrealistic target given how few UK-made cars are sold overall in UK (only around 1 in 5).
news.mo.co.uk/news/motabil...
Motability Scheme makes ambitious goal that half of Scheme vehicles leased from 2035 will be British built
Motability Scheme sets ambition for 50% of all vehicles leased to be British built from 2035
Scheme is a lifeline for disabled people and will now further support the UK economy
With government ...
news.mo.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Little bit of government arm twisting behind Motability's new target for half the vehicles it leases to be UK-made by 2035?
Seems an unrealistic target given how few UK-made cars are sold overall in UK (only around 1 in 5).
news.mo.co.uk/news/motabil...
Seems an unrealistic target given how few UK-made cars are sold overall in UK (only around 1 in 5).
news.mo.co.uk/news/motabil...
Reposted by Richard Hebditch
Fossil fuel companies “are way better at capturing politicians than they are capturing emissions.” @AlGore
No time to wait. End Fossil Fuels. #ActOnClimate
#climate #energy #renewables #voteclimate
No time to wait. End Fossil Fuels. #ActOnClimate
#climate #energy #renewables #voteclimate
November 24, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Fossil fuel companies “are way better at capturing politicians than they are capturing emissions.” @AlGore
No time to wait. End Fossil Fuels. #ActOnClimate
#climate #energy #renewables #voteclimate
No time to wait. End Fossil Fuels. #ActOnClimate
#climate #energy #renewables #voteclimate
More emphasis on brownfield first in the new NPPF and NDMPs? Though as most areas aren't able to meet their housing targets so greenfield development can get approval anyway this may be purely academic.
November 25, 2025 at 10:32 AM
More emphasis on brownfield first in the new NPPF and NDMPs? Though as most areas aren't able to meet their housing targets so greenfield development can get approval anyway this may be purely academic.
In a not entirely unexpected turn of events, the Government is opting for Heathrow Airport's plan for its expansion rather than the alternative scheme which wouldn't have involved moving the M25.
Scheme must come at "no cost to the taxpayer".
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
Scheme must come at "no cost to the taxpayer".
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
questions-statements.parliament.uk
November 25, 2025 at 9:54 AM
In a not entirely unexpected turn of events, the Government is opting for Heathrow Airport's plan for its expansion rather than the alternative scheme which wouldn't have involved moving the M25.
Scheme must come at "no cost to the taxpayer".
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
Scheme must come at "no cost to the taxpayer".
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
Seven Labour rebels tonight on Sîan Berry's amendment on a climate and nature duty
November 24, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Seven Labour rebels tonight on Sîan Berry's amendment on a climate and nature duty
Lords end their attempts to amend the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. One last vote on chalk streams didn't pass, and promises from Government on environmental delivery plans.
After a sustained case made by Peers, the Government has confirmed its new strategic approach in the #PlanningBill will only be introduced where it is safe for nature - a vital step towards ensuring development and nature protection can work together
November 24, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Lords end their attempts to amend the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. One last vote on chalk streams didn't pass, and promises from Government on environmental delivery plans.
Good London TravelWatch session with TfL Commissioner Andy Lord this afternoon. I was struck by how safety is taken for granted by those outside transport orgs but is number one issue for those working inside transport providers.
View from Palestra below
View from Palestra below
November 24, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Good London TravelWatch session with TfL Commissioner Andy Lord this afternoon. I was struck by how safety is taken for granted by those outside transport orgs but is number one issue for those working inside transport providers.
View from Palestra below
View from Palestra below
The Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce has published its final report today. The Govt press release says that "The Chancellor is set to welcome the need for radical reform...and will respond to the report at the Budget."
Two very big and controversial recommendations in the report (1/)
Two very big and controversial recommendations in the report (1/)
November 24, 2025 at 11:01 AM
The Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce has published its final report today. The Govt press release says that "The Chancellor is set to welcome the need for radical reform...and will respond to the report at the Budget."
Two very big and controversial recommendations in the report (1/)
Two very big and controversial recommendations in the report (1/)
Reposted by Richard Hebditch
Hard to overstate the significance of this. First fare freeze in 30 yrs; massive boost for commuters who would have seen annual costs rise by up to £300. V positive sign that affordability is being put at the heart of the govt's plans for Great British Railways.
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/n...
Relief for rail passengers as fare freeze in England announced for 2026
Chancellor will confirm the measure, intended to help commuters on expensive routes, in her budget speech
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Hard to overstate the significance of this. First fare freeze in 30 yrs; massive boost for commuters who would have seen annual costs rise by up to £300. V positive sign that affordability is being put at the heart of the govt's plans for Great British Railways.
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/n...
Planning and Infrastructure Bill in the Lords today (see below) plus report stage for the English Devo Bill in Commons, with welcome amendment from govt with more freedom for national park authorities + we'll see what support there is for @sianberry.bsky.social amendment on a climate and nature duty
We're getting to the end of the parliamentary debates on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Here's a quick run down of the remaining issues which the Lords are debating on Monday as part of ping-pong.
www.linkedin.com/posts/richar...
www.linkedin.com/posts/richar...
HL Bill 147—I | Richard Hebditch
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill's passage through Parliament is almost at end.
The House of Lords on Monday debates the changes that the Commons made to the Bill (basically stripping out the no...
www.linkedin.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Planning and Infrastructure Bill in the Lords today (see below) plus report stage for the English Devo Bill in Commons, with welcome amendment from govt with more freedom for national park authorities + we'll see what support there is for @sianberry.bsky.social amendment on a climate and nature duty
This makes a lot of political sense. Introducing nationalised Great British Railways alongside big hikes in rail fares would be daft.
Would also make political sense to commit to restarting a rail electrification programme too.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Would also make political sense to commit to restarting a rail electrification programme too.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Rail fares to be frozen in England next year
Regulated fares, which include season tickets and off-peak returns, will not see annual price rises for the first time in 30 years, the government announces.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 10:47 AM
This makes a lot of political sense. Introducing nationalised Great British Railways alongside big hikes in rail fares would be daft.
Would also make political sense to commit to restarting a rail electrification programme too.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Would also make political sense to commit to restarting a rail electrification programme too.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I don't think more EV subsidies do anything for the rate of rollout of EVs. The ZEV mandate regulation delivers that increase.
What it does do is allow car makers to keep EV prices higher, and the sustainability rules in the subsidy skews demand away from Chinese cars.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What it does do is allow car makers to keep EV prices higher, and the sustainability rules in the subsidy skews demand away from Chinese cars.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Electric Car Grant : £1.3bn boost for EV scheme expected in Budget
But it is also possible electric vehicle owners could face a new tax elsewhere in Wednesday's Budget.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM
I don't think more EV subsidies do anything for the rate of rollout of EVs. The ZEV mandate regulation delivers that increase.
What it does do is allow car makers to keep EV prices higher, and the sustainability rules in the subsidy skews demand away from Chinese cars.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What it does do is allow car makers to keep EV prices higher, and the sustainability rules in the subsidy skews demand away from Chinese cars.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We're getting to the end of the parliamentary debates on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Here's a quick run down of the remaining issues which the Lords are debating on Monday as part of ping-pong.
www.linkedin.com/posts/richar...
www.linkedin.com/posts/richar...
HL Bill 147—I | Richard Hebditch
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill's passage through Parliament is almost at end.
The House of Lords on Monday debates the changes that the Commons made to the Bill (basically stripping out the no...
www.linkedin.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:08 PM
We're getting to the end of the parliamentary debates on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Here's a quick run down of the remaining issues which the Lords are debating on Monday as part of ping-pong.
www.linkedin.com/posts/richar...
www.linkedin.com/posts/richar...
Pleased to sign this letter earlier in the week on behalf of the Better Planning Coalition. Delays in permitting and planning approval are in no-one's interest & funding pressures have made this worse.
Regulators are builders, not blockers.
We have written to the Chancellor calling for proper funding for environmental regulators in the Budget. Under resourcing, not regulation, is slowing planning approvals.
We have written to the Chancellor calling for proper funding for environmental regulators in the Budget. Under resourcing, not regulation, is slowing planning approvals.
Give Environment Regulators More Funding To Unclog Planning Delays, Government Told
Unions and environmental groups have urged the government to boost funding for key environmental regulators in the Budget, warning that chronic und...
www.politicshome.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Pleased to sign this letter earlier in the week on behalf of the Better Planning Coalition. Delays in permitting and planning approval are in no-one's interest & funding pressures have made this worse.
Great to see so many cllrs signing up to this letter from @uk100.org & @climateemergencyuk.bsky.social on the need for a climate and nature duty in the English Devolution Bill.
localclimatepledge2024.uk100.org
localclimatepledge2024.uk100.org
Put climate and nature in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill - UK100 Campaigns
Share the letter with your colleagues: This letter is for elected local and regional politicians only. If you are a resident or party member, please share it with your locally elected representative. ...
localclimatepledge2024.uk100.org
November 21, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Great to see so many cllrs signing up to this letter from @uk100.org & @climateemergencyuk.bsky.social on the need for a climate and nature duty in the English Devolution Bill.
localclimatepledge2024.uk100.org
localclimatepledge2024.uk100.org
Are we building the homes we need for an ageing population? Most of the new households in the next 7 years will be headed by someone over 65, and over a third by someone over 75. (from ONS household projections)
November 20, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Are we building the homes we need for an ageing population? Most of the new households in the next 7 years will be headed by someone over 65, and over a third by someone over 75. (from ONS household projections)
This afternoon my work has been improved by discovering National Public Radio's Tiny Desk Concerts. Here's Pulp, kicking things off with This Is Hardcore.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Kl...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Kl...
Pulp: Tiny Desk Concert
YouTube video by NPR Music
www.youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:14 PM
This afternoon my work has been improved by discovering National Public Radio's Tiny Desk Concerts. Here's Pulp, kicking things off with This Is Hardcore.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Kl...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Kl...
Lots of criticism of post-2010 austerity in MHCLG statement on local gov funding today. Not mentioned (obviously) is that Labour too went into 2010, 2015 & (arguably) 2017 with austerity manifestos, where local govt spending was not a protected area
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
questions-statements.parliament.uk
November 20, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Lots of criticism of post-2010 austerity in MHCLG statement on local gov funding today. Not mentioned (obviously) is that Labour too went into 2010, 2015 & (arguably) 2017 with austerity manifestos, where local govt spending was not a protected area
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
NT in the Times today on the Chancellor's rhetoric: "Please, for the love of bats, let’s have a change in rhetoric...Bashing wildlife and the people who protect it isn’t helping anyone – I’m positive this nature-loving country would agree."
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/services/med...
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/services/med...
Press release | Media
The National Trust is today sharing a column by Hilary McGrady about the Chancellor's anti-nature rhetoric. Read the full story.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 10:31 AM
NT in the Times today on the Chancellor's rhetoric: "Please, for the love of bats, let’s have a change in rhetoric...Bashing wildlife and the people who protect it isn’t helping anyone – I’m positive this nature-loving country would agree."
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/services/med...
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/services/med...
Reposted by Richard Hebditch
🚨One win already for clean air action from new Mayors!
The Govt has adopted my first amendment to the Devolution Bill to make pollution part of their health plans.
Next up: a real duty to act on pollution, climate and nature. Write to your MP to sign my New Clause 29 today.
The Govt has adopted my first amendment to the Devolution Bill to make pollution part of their health plans.
Next up: a real duty to act on pollution, climate and nature. Write to your MP to sign my New Clause 29 today.
November 19, 2025 at 9:44 AM
🚨One win already for clean air action from new Mayors!
The Govt has adopted my first amendment to the Devolution Bill to make pollution part of their health plans.
Next up: a real duty to act on pollution, climate and nature. Write to your MP to sign my New Clause 29 today.
The Govt has adopted my first amendment to the Devolution Bill to make pollution part of their health plans.
Next up: a real duty to act on pollution, climate and nature. Write to your MP to sign my New Clause 29 today.
'The shift from former housing secretary Angela Rayner to [Steve] Reed in September...brought about a “sea change” for Labour Yimby'
Interesting article on the Labour YIMBY/developer nexus
www.ft.com/content/c957...
Interesting article on the Labour YIMBY/developer nexus
www.ft.com/content/c957...
‘Build, baby, build’: the pro-development Labour activists — and their backers in big business
www.ft.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:14 AM
'The shift from former housing secretary Angela Rayner to [Steve] Reed in September...brought about a “sea change” for Labour Yimby'
Interesting article on the Labour YIMBY/developer nexus
www.ft.com/content/c957...
Interesting article on the Labour YIMBY/developer nexus
www.ft.com/content/c957...
And here's the press release on releasing Green Belt land around stations.
If it's a "default yes" to development, then (beyond minimum density) you may not end up creating sustainable communities around the stations undermining any benefit from public transport provision.
If it's a "default yes" to development, then (beyond minimum density) you may not end up creating sustainable communities around the stations undermining any benefit from public transport provision.
Apropos of nothing in particular that might be happening, I enjoyed this very Yes, Minister exchange between the Sec of State and the Perm Sec at the select committee last week:
November 18, 2025 at 9:46 AM
And here's the press release on releasing Green Belt land around stations.
If it's a "default yes" to development, then (beyond minimum density) you may not end up creating sustainable communities around the stations undermining any benefit from public transport provision.
If it's a "default yes" to development, then (beyond minimum density) you may not end up creating sustainable communities around the stations undermining any benefit from public transport provision.
Reposted by Richard Hebditch
DESNZ announces expansion of heat pump grant scheme, as Treasury reportedly considers restricting heat pump grant scheme... www.businessgreen.com/news/4521952...
Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Government set to expand scheme to include air conditioning heat pumps
Government expands heat pump scheme to include heat batteries and 'air-to-air devices' that can cool homes in summer, despite speculation over budget cuts
www.businessgreen.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:21 AM
DESNZ announces expansion of heat pump grant scheme, as Treasury reportedly considers restricting heat pump grant scheme... www.businessgreen.com/news/4521952...