Rachel Reeves targeted planning in her first speech as Chancellor, and the reaction from the free-market think tanks has been unusually positive. The theme amongst the wonks is “we welcome the plans”. Cosying up to the new leading party…

The Institute of Economic Affairs spokesman hails the plans: “Rachel Reeves is right to emphasise the importance of growth in tackling Britain’s challenges…Undoubtedly, the most exciting part of the agenda is the government’s immediate plans to reform the planning system”. Labour pleasing the YIMBYs…

The Adam Smith Institute‘s Maxwell Marlow said: “We welcome the Chancellor’s plans to introduce supply-side reforms…Overall, this indicates a seriousness of purpose in fixing one of the greatest drags on Britain’s prosperity.” Though it’s correctly pointed out “plans must be based on results rather than intentions”…

The Taxpayers’ Alliance‘s CEO John O’Connell writes: “Taxpayers will welcome the chancellor’s commitment to delivering growth and her genuine grasp of the problems with the planning system”. They don’t point out that Reeves’ plan to hire 300 new planning officers will cost £20 million a year alone, which ultimately falls on…the taxpayer…

As Guido noted earlier, these promises have been made before. Actions speak louder than words…