The Civil Engineering Contractors Association has written to the new coalition government, spelling out 10 key construction priorities.
They are:
- Provide clarity on outlook for public spending to 2014
- Commit to increase capacity in renewable energy and nuclear power
- Commit to delivering the National Policy Statement on Energy
- Commit to the completion of Crossrail
- Commit to maintaining the “Managed Motorways” Investment Programme
- Launch consultation on National Policy Statement for Transport
- Begin the process of developing a National Infrastructure Framework
- Consult on the establishment of the Green Investment Bank
- Enable local authorities to tackle the pothole crisis afflicting local and regional routes
- Ensure a clear process for support for businesses through the banking sector
CECA National Director Rosemary Beales said: “Investment in the country’s infrastructure, especially transport and energy, will play a fundamental role in delivering a sustainable, low carbon economic recovery.
“We know there will be a period of reassessment as the new Government settles into office, but we want to see an early commitment to a streamlined planning process for major projects and to delivering Infrastructure UK’s Strategy for National Infrastructure.
“We also want to see early progress toward the establishment of the Green Investment Bank and a commitment to work with industry and other stakeholders to identify innovative means of financing much needed major projects.
“Having promised to reduce the deficit by 50% by 2014, the new Government faces a serious challenge if it is going to keep the country moving and keep the lights on in the long term.
“This amounts to a commitment to tackle two of the major challenges facing the UK in the next decade – transport congestion and energy security. These are decisive steps the new Government should take quickly to underpin the basis for economic recovery.”
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