Civils contractors today welcomed the 2021 Budget and Spending Review and said that the UK Government’s backing of an ‘infrastructure revolution’ will secure economic growth for the long term.
In his Budget speech Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that every Government department would receive a real-terms increase in funding over the course of this Parliament, and that the fiscal remit of the National Infrastructure Commission would be increased.
Commenting, Director of External Affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Marie-Claude Hemming said: “Industry will welcome today’s Budget and Spending Review as an indication that the UK Government is backing our sector to ‘level-up’ the economy and deliver strong economic growth.
“One of CECA’s asks ahead of today was that the Government maintain its commitment to spending on infrastructure and the Chancellor has delivered on that. In particular, we welcome new funding for transport, new nuclear power, and a range of other investments in both projects and skills.
“Moreover, we welcome the news that the fiscal remit of the National Infrastructure Commission has been increased, and that the Government continues to support the work of that body to identify the UK’s long-term infrastructure needs and future nationally-important infrastructure projects.
“However, Mr Sunak also indicated that the long-awaited Integrated Rail Plan (IRP), which had been expected to be published today, will now be published ‘soon.’
“Industry is keen to see the outcome of the Integrated Rail Plan, which will be vital for investment and growth across the entire UK.
“While welcoming today’s spending plans, we also hope that any delay to the IRP will be a short one.
“CECA members require further details on the Government’s plans for the rail sector, to enable them to plan accordingly, ensure the correct skills are in place, and deliver the world-class infrastructure businesses and communities rely upon in all parts of the UK.”
< ENDS >
