"Reform's alternative budget released today includes many proposals that will finally get Britain's economy growing again. Abolishing the Energy Profits Levy will play a crucial role in ensuring the country's energy security, which a recent ASI index ranked below Romania and Ukraine. Windfall taxes undermine the incentive on firms to be ready to drill when prices are high: without them, the UK's domestic energy supply will be far more secure, and the country will be less vulnerable to price hikes and energy crises. It will also lower electricity costs at a time of eye-wateringly high energy prices, which will cost the average family an extra £206 in the coming year. The alternative budget's proposals will also give a desperately needed boost to housebuilding. Leaving the Aarhus convention, which paralyses planning reviews and raises costs for developers, will make it easier and faster to build new homes. Repealing Biodiversity Net Gain rules will also reduce costs and delays for housebuilders, 94% of which have been hit by delays due to the rule. Taken together, these changes will mean more houses are built faster and for a lower cost - which will go a long way to solving Britain's housing crisis. If done right, planning deregulation like those proposed by this alternative budget could single-handedly raise long-run GDP by 7.05% - a rise of almost £3,000 per person." - Silvia Andreoletti, Head of Communications