The General Election and What it Could Mean
As the United Kingdom approaches its next General Election, which is likely to take place around October 2024, the political atmosphere is charged with anticipation. With the Labour Party positioned as a strong contender, the potential for a shift in government looms large. This change could herald significant transformations in the procurement and bidding landscape, particularly given Labour's stance on procurement policies and privatisation.
It is though important to understand the policies and manifestos of all of the main parties, as politics and elections are unpredictable. There is the potential for a Conservative resurgence, or even for a hung parliament which could result in a coalition or a ‘supply and demand’ arrangement. As such, it’s even important to understand the policies of parties including the Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and the Greens.
Impact on Specific Sectors: Healthcare and Infrastructure
As examples, below we have summarised the key priorities of the three main national parties relating to Healthcare and Infrastructure. This information was correct as of May 2024.
Healthcare
Conservatives – The Conservative Party has historically emphasised reducing administrative costs in healthcare to streamline operations and potentially redirect savings towards patient care. Their approach often includes promoting private sector involvement in healthcare to increase efficiency and choice within the system. The Conservatives have also proposed reforms aimed at lowering healthcare premiums and increasing access to affordable care, emphasising the use of Universal Access Programs to ensure coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Labour - Labour's approach to healthcare focuses heavily on strengthening the public sector's capabilities, particularly the NHS. They advocate for increased funding and resources to improve service delivery and reduce waiting times. Labour's recent proposals include expanding community and primary care, rather than just focusing on hospital care, to better integrate services and manage chronic conditions more effectively outside of hospitals. They also emphasise the importance of social determinants of health, proposing policies that extend beyond traditional healthcare settings to address broader social and economic inequalities that affect health outcomes.
Liberal Democrats - The Liberal Democrats prioritise tackling health inequalities and improving public health through preventive measures. Their policies often include increasing investment in mental health services and expanding community-based care to reduce pressures on hospitals. The Lib Dems have proposed specific funding increases for health and social care, supported by a dedicated health tax to ensure sustainable funding. They also focus on ethical recruitment and retention strategies to address workforce shortages in the healthcare sector.
Infrastructure
Conservatives - Conservative policies typically focus on economic efficiency and fiscal responsibility in infrastructure projects. They advocate for leveraging private investment and public-private partnerships to fund and manage infrastructure developments. The Conservatives emphasise regulatory reforms to speed up project delivery and reduce costs, aiming to boost economic growth and competitiveness through improved infrastructure.
Labour - Labour has proposed ambitious infrastructure plans that include significant investments in public transport, green energy, and digital infrastructure to stimulate economic growth and job creation. They emphasise the role of public investment in driving these initiatives, proposing to update national policy statements to speed up planning and reduce litigation in infrastructure projects.
Labour's recent stance on nationalising the railways has been a significant part of their broader agenda on public spending and investment, aiming to bring the UK's railway system back into public ownership. This move is seen as a strategy to improve services for customers, enhance operational efficiency, and address public discontent with the current state of Britain's railways. The Shadow Transport Secretary announced that, should Labour win the next election, franchises would transition back into public hands as their contracts expire, avoiding costly exit payments. In terms of procurement and bidding, this is a huge announcement, meaning the end of a semi-regular cycle of procuring and bidding for rail contracts.
Liberal Democrats - The Liberal Democrats' approach to infrastructure includes a strong focus on sustainability and social care. They propose significant investments in social care infrastructure, supported by a dedicated funding plan. Their policies also emphasise the integration of infrastructure development with environmental and social goals, aiming to create a more sustainable and equitable infrastructure system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each party's policies reflect their broader political ideologies and priorities, with the Conservatives focusing on efficiency and private sector involvement, Labour prioritising public investment and social benefits, and the Liberal Democrats emphasising sustainability and preventive care. Understanding these priorities can help stakeholders in the healthcare and infrastructure sectors prepare for potential changes following the election.