30 JUL 2024

ACE AND EIC ISSUE STATEMENT ON CLOSE OF PARLIAMENT

"As Parliament goes on recess, it's important to note how the Chancellor's announcement yesterday laid the groundwork for addressing the conundrum of delivering growth while tackling the UK's debt. Cancelling the new hospital programme and some transport projects, while not a complete surprise, we hope is a one off and not a return to stop start investment.

We welcome the pledge made today by the Deputy Prime Minister for 1.5 million new houses and supporting infrastructure based on community need, along with the call for support to balance house building needs with nature and the environment.

It is crucial that government funding for infrastructure is stable to garner much needed support from investors as well as to help the sector sustain their recruitment and retention campaigns for a skilled workforce to deliver the UK's infrastructure and housing plans.

We're pleased to see that the Government has pledged to provide greater spending transparency and reviews of industry and infrastructure planning policy and strategy. The commitment to spending with longer term funding settlements and simplified local government and mayoral settlements, aligns with our manifesto. The new NISTA and promised 10-year infrastructure strategy, also meet our recommendations for creating a platform for growth. More time is needed to see if these measures will be successfully implemented but it's a positive start.

Whether it's about new homes or the energy, water or transport, health or education infrastructures to serve them, our members hold the solutions to creating safe and thriving communities and look forward to working in partnership with government to realise mutual plans for sustainable growth."