Civils contractors today welcomed news that the UK Government will unleash economic growth through infrastructure investment, following a major speech by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in which she pledged to get Britain building again.
Ms. Reeves announced that the UK Government will:
- Back a third runway at Heathrow while meeting carbon commitments;
- Support delivery of the Lower Thames Crossing;
- Deliver East-West Rail in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor with a new mainline station at Tempsford;
- Unlock investment in water infrastructure;
- Change Green Book rules on investment.
Commenting, Director of Operations for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Marie-Claude Hemming said: “The Government should be applauded in its commitment to airport expansion, which is an issue that has been kicked into the long grass by successive administrations, but which is vital to the UK’s future as a global trading nation.
“In addition, the Chancellor’s decision to amend HM Treasury’s ‘Green Book’ rules to further distribute the benefits of investment across the UK reflects a long-held CECA policy, and will lead to a wider distribution of economic growth across all parts of the country.
“We welcome the fact that the UK Government has committed to unleashing the full potential of the UK economy through public and private investment in infrastructure.
“Industry is keenly awaiting the publication of this Spring’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill, but the Chancellor’s commitment to speeding up planning and removing blockers to growth, such as excessive use of judicial review, are positive signs that the UK Government has listened to industry, and will act accordingly.
“Heathrow expansion will be the largest privately-funded infrastructure project in Europe and will be central to ensuring the UK remains an attractive place to live and do business in – it is exactly the sort of ambitious scheme we need to drive connectivity and kick-start economic growth.
“CECA members are poised and willing to work with the UK Government to accelerate project delivery so that businesses and communities across the UK can feel the benefits of investment as soon as possible, raising living standards in all parts of the country, as well as building the foundation of a stronger economy for the future.”
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CECA Press Release – Infrastructure Key To Kickstarting Growth – Immed. 29 January 2025