Civils contractors are calling on the next government to act swiftly on infrastructure projects stalled in the run-up to the general election 

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) has published its list of priorities for the next government to tackle in its first 100 days to help drive economic growth. 

This also includes delivering on-hold policy decision in areas such as water and roads and publishing policy statements of intent in areas such as energy, transport, water, skills and employment. 

The organisation says delays include the long-anticipated planning decision on the next stage of the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) which was expected by June 20 and has now been delayed until October 4, when a new government is in place.

It says other critical infrastructure projects requiring early decisions from a new government include proposals for new terminals at London Luton Airport and at the Port of Immingham.

CECA director of operations Marie-Claude Hemming said: “The formation of a new UK government offers an opportunity to turn over a page in project delivery and get the economy firing on all cylinders once more.

“The success of the UK infrastructure sector rests on certainty of pipeline, clarity of policy, and close co-operation between industry and government.

“Once the results of the general election are in and a new administration is formed, we must take steps to optimise the ability of CECA members to rapidly deliver schemes that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and underpin the wellbeing of businesses and communities in all parts of the country.”

She added: “All parties in the 2024 general election have rightfully identified infrastructure delivery as a primary driver of economic growth and the backbone of a sustainable future.

“The UK’s contractors now stand ready to get spades in the ground on schemes across England, Scotland and Wales, to turn manifesto plans into reality, and deliver the stronger Britain that we all want to see.”

CECA’s priorities for the next government include: 

• Unblock projects that were paused in the run-up to the general election
• Deliver on-hold policy decisions, including spending plans in the water and roads sectors
• Publish a policy statement of intent that covers areas such as energy, transport, water, skills and employment
• Engage with industry on delivering an English Skills Strategy
• Set a date for the next fiscal event, including timelines for the next Autumn Statement, Budget, and any future Spending Review
• Commit to best practice in project delivery