Civils contractors have written to Chancellor Sajid Javid MP to outline the steps he needs to take at Budget 2020 to kick-start an infrastructure revolution.
The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) have highlighted that the infrastructure sector faces severe challenges in workload visibility, with very few shovel-ready projects in the UK for its members to deliver in the immediate future.
To this end, CECA has called on the Chancellor to avert the risk of ‘boom and bust’ cyclicality in infrastructure, to commit to building a world-class roads network, prioritise Heathrow expansion, press ahead with HS2 in its entirety, and commit to both Northern Powerhouse Rail and Midlands Engine Rail.
Commenting, CECA chief executive Alasdair Reisner said: “The UK stands at a crossroads as we negotiate our future trading relationship with the European Union, and also strike trade deals with countries across the globe.
“If the right decisions are taken now to unleash our potential via infrastructure investment, our shared economic future will be bright.
“Heathrow expansion must be a priority for the new UK Government, and will be central to Britain’s future as a global trading nation.
“Investment in our rail infrastructure – most crucially through the full delivery of HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, the Midlands Engine, and in all parts of the UK’s transport networks – will transform our economic geography, improve connectivity, and create new opportunities for businesses and communities alike.
“As well as pressing ahead with HS2, the UK Government must deliver a full “Barnett Consequential” from HS2 investment to Scotland, to allow the delivery of the A9 widening scheme, and to Wales to invest in improving rail infrastructure as part of a fully devolved rail network.
“We call on the Chancellor to ensure that the lack of workload visibility in our sector is addressed.“CECA members are poised to deliver schemes in the roads, rail, utilities, and electricity sectors, which will create economic growth in all parts of England, Scotland, and Wales if given sufficient backing.
“If the Chancellor makes the right decisions and backs our sector this month, Budget 2020 will be seen as firing the starting-gun on an infrastructure revolution that will transform the UK, delivering a prosperous future for communities and businesses across the country.”
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