{"id":35880,"date":"2017-10-25T09:49:36","date_gmt":"2017-10-25T08:49:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=35880"},"modified":"2022-10-19T15:56:50","modified_gmt":"2022-10-19T14:56:50","slug":"infrastructure-survey-highlights-concern-over-government-commitment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/planning-construction-news\/infrastructure-survey-highlights-concern-over-government-commitment\/35880\/","title":{"rendered":"Infrastructure Survey highlights concern over Government commitment"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the 2017 CBI\/AECOM Infrastructure Survey, both business and the public are concerned about the pace of the Government\u2019s commitment to improving the UK\u2019s infrastructure<\/h2>\n

With the UK currently ranking 27th in the world for the quality of its infrastructure, nearly all (96%) of the 727 businesses surveyed saw infrastructure as crucial (of which 55% view it as critical) to the Government\u2019s agenda. From the Clean Growth Strategy <\/a>and the \u00a3500bn infrastructure pipeline to its decision to build a new runway at Heathrow and press ahead with the A303 tunnel, the Government has made clear its commitment to British infrastructure<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, only one in five firms are satisfied with the pace of delivery (20%) and almost three quarters (74%) doubt infrastructure will improve over this Parliament. This lack of confidence is attributed primarily to policy inconsistency (+94% of firms) and political risk (+86%). The digital sector is the exception, however, with 59% of firms confident that improvements can be delivered.<\/p>\n

For the first time, this year\u2019s infrastructure survey included the public\u2019s views. Their opinions closely mirror those of companies, as only 26% of the public believe delivery is satisfactory and 76% doubt any improvement will transpire this Parliament.<\/p>\n

Firms\u2019 dissatisfaction with infrastructure in their region has increased \u2013 over half (54%) are dissatisfied (or very dissatisfied).<\/p>\n

Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI <\/a>Director-General, said:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve seen a real commitment from the Government on infrastructure over the last year, from decisions on Heathrow and the A303 to pledges to scale up the supply of housing and clean energy. But our survey shows this is not translating into optimism about future improvements among both firms and the public, who are united in their concern about the pace of delivery for new projects. We\u2019ve now reached crunch time for the UK\u2019s infrastructure.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the foundation for wider growth, world-class infrastructure is fundamental in driving productivity, and helps create jobs and raise living standards. Our message is as clear as it is simple \u2013 this is no time for discussion and delays, it\u2019s time for delivery. This needs to be heard not just by Westminster, but by local and devolved governments, as making progress on smaller, local projects is just as important as the bigger projects. Firms will not be forgiving if this focus slips.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith continuing uncertainty over Brexit, it\u2019s all the more important the Government delivers quality infrastructure as a key pillar of a modern and effective Industrial Strategy, from excellent quality gateways to the world to a funding framework that gives investors the sustained confidence they need. It is a vital lever for spreading prosperity across the whole of the UK.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese findings must not be confused with pessimism though. Businesses have been unambiguous about what needs to happen, from delivering on the current road and rail pipelines to putting in place an urgent long-term energy plan and making housing a top priority. Firms are keen to work shoulder to shoulder with the Government, bringing their construction and funding capability, innovation and agility to the table, enabling the UK to face the future with confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richard Robinson, Chief Executive \u2013 Civil Infrastructure, Europe, Middle East, India and Africa, at AECOM<\/a>, said:<\/p>\n

\u201cGiven the strong correlation between infrastructure investment and economic growth, it is hardly surprising that when infrastructure decisions are delayed, it is UK business that feels the pain. Indeed, the overriding message from business and the public in this year\u2019s survey is clear: more needs to be done to raise confidence and up the pace in which infrastructure is delivered. Now is the time to provide clarity around infrastructure investment and accelerate action.<\/p>\n

\u201cTransformational infrastructure necessitates bold decisions and strong vision. The next five years present a huge opportunity for the Government to set in train a lasting legacy for future generations. The link between transport and long-term plans for other vital infrastructure such as energy, water, waste and housing must also be considered. A clear vision for integration will be essential to accommodate the UK\u2019s projected population growth and maintain economic prosperity.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite the backdrop of Brexit and political uncertainty, we have certainly seen some welcome progress this year, but it is essential that we don\u2019t rest on our laurels. The focus now must remain on progressing the UK\u2019s ambitious infrastructure pipeline. Schemes such as the third runway at Heathrow, Crossrail 2 and the Northern Powerhouse programme are world-class projects that provide bright beacons of British success and innovation and are vital to the country\u2019s ability to compete on a global stage. However, if we are to grasp the opportunity to make major progress on infrastructure, the issue must remain high on the government\u2019s agenda, underpinning a modern industrial strategy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Key statistics by sector<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Energy<\/h3>\n