Civils contractors today welcomed the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak’s announcement of a new ‘comprehensive’ National Infrastructure Strategy by saying it will drive growth and create jobs in all parts of the UK.
The Chancellor made his announcements as part of his Spending Review speech in Parliament earlier today, which also included a commitment of £4 billion to a ‘Levelling Up’ fund, to allow local areas to bid for up to £20 million to directly fund local projects.
Commenting, Chief Executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Alasdair Reisner said: “The vision set out by the Chancellor today is one in which investment in infrastructure is a key priority for delivering growth and creating jobs across all parts of the country.
“The creation of a National Infrastructure Bank, to be based in the north of England, will enable the strategic investment businesses and communities require.
“We are particularly pleased to see the creation of a specific ‘Levelling Up’ fund, which will enable local communities to bid for projects based on their own expertise and needs.
“The Government’s planned £100 billion of capital spending next year will ensure the UK’s economic recovery from the historic impact of COVID-19 will be as swift as possible, creating jobs and growth, to the benefit of businesses and communities in all parts of the UK.”
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