Andrew Griffith to Pledge Sweeping Deregulation in Tory Economic Blueprint

Conservative shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith will use the second day of his party's conference in Birmingham to set out an economic programme centred on tax cuts, reduced regulation and cheaper housebuilding, framing the package as the boldest deregulation effort Britain has seen in a generation. His speech is expected to cover measures ranging from planning reform and developer levies to the future of two major environmental bodies and the expansion of Heathrow Airport.

The address follows the publication by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch of a 100-page document setting out the principles she says would guide her party if it returns to power at the next general election. Griffith's remarks are intended to translate that philosophical framework into concrete proposals on housing, business costs and infrastructure.

According to advance briefings, Griffith will tell conference delegates that no outside force will rescue the British economy and that his party alone is prepared to confront difficult choices and pass on a stronger country to the next generation. He is expected to characterise the current government's approach as a throwback to the socialist experiments of the 1970s, contrasting that with Conservative promises of cheaper homes, lower taxes and less bureaucracy.

A central element of the plan involves scrapping environmental and energy efficiency regulations, including the future homes standard, which sets requirements for new housing. The Conservatives believe removing these rules could reduce the cost of delivering a new home by as much as £50,000, and they argue that saving would be passed on to buyers through lower prices. Critics of such deregulation typically warn that weakening standards raises energy bills for residents and increases carbon emissions over the life of a building.

The party also intends to replace the existing system of developer contributions with a single levy. At present, section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy require builders to fund local projects and services when construction goes ahead. The Conservatives contend that the dual system causes delays and that a consolidated charge would speed up development and ensure money is spent in ways that benefit existing residents. Housing experts have long debated whether such levies slow delivery, with developers frequently citing negotiation over contributions as a source of delay.

Another significant proposal is the abolition of Natural England and the Environment Agency, with their functions transferred to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Conservatives have been critical of both bodies, arguing that Natural England has hindered housebuilding through its role in protecting habitats and that the Environment Agency has not done enough on flood prevention. Environmental groups are likely to resist the move, warning that merging regulators into a government department could weaken independent scrutiny of pollution, wildlife protection and flood risk.

Griffith is also expected to confirm that a future Conservative government would scrap the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, which obliges companies to pay for the collection, recycling and disposal of the packaging they produce. The party describes the scheme as a burden on business and claims removing it could help bring down the cost of the weekly shop. Retailers have complained about the administrative complexity of the rules, although supporters say producer-payment schemes are essential to reducing plastic waste and shifting disposal costs away from taxpayers.

On aviation, Griffith will say the next Conservative government would do whatever is necessary to end delays and increase capacity by backing a third runway at Heathrow. Expansion plans were abandoned by the Conservative-led coalition in 2010, and the project has resurfaced as a test of the current government's growth intentions. Former chancellor Rachel Reeves championed the runway after Labour entered office, but Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to say whether he supports it, describing the matter as principally one for London and Londoners. The ambiguity leaves the Conservatives room to claim the pro-growth mantle on a project with national economic significance.

The conference programme will feature further speeches from shadow ministers on Monday, with additional detail expected on the deregulation package and related policies. The gathering is part of a broader effort by the Conservatives to rebuild public trust after their historic defeat in the 2024 general election. Opponents have repeatedly attacked the party's economic record in government between 2010 and 2024, and the leadership is aware that promises of tax cuts and regulatory relief will be measured against that legacy.

Chancellor John Healey said last week that all government commitments would rest on fiscal discipline and that the Budget on 28 October would provide families and businesses with some breathing space. His framing sets up a direct contrast with the Conservatives, who argue that lower taxes and reduced regulation, rather than spending commitments, are the route to growth.

Reaction from rival parties has been swift. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said the Conservatives had confirmed their status as an anti-growth, anti-business party by rejecting closer ties with Europe, and argued that no one could take their economic claims seriously given what she called a record of fantastical financial pledges. Her criticism points to a persistent dividing line over trade with the European Union, which many businesses identify as a drag on exports and investment.

Reform UK economy spokesman Robert Jenrick accused the Conservatives of copying his party's policies, adding that they could not match Reform's promise to raise the tax-free personal allowance to £15,000. The exchange highlights the pressure the Conservatives face on their right flank, where Reform has sought to own the agenda on tax cuts and deregulation.

Whether Griffith's package can satisfy both wings of the Conservative coalition remains uncertain. Business groups may welcome faster planning decisions and lower upfront costs, while environmental organisations and some local government figures are likely to warn that abolishing regulators and streamlining developer charges could weaken protections and leave communities without the infrastructure they need. The coming weeks will show how the proposals are received beyond the conference hall.