Following the Chancellor’s release of the Budget, Dr Diana Montgomery, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association, commented: “The Chancellor has rightfully recognised the value of infrastructure investment, both for the present and future generations’ benefit. The government’s support for the National Infrastructure Commission is encouraging and the list of projects given the green light such as HS3, Crossrail 2 and numerous other schemes across the country will please everyone in the construction supply chain. Still, we are very mindful that announcements are one thing but spades in the ground are another thing altogether. We therefore welcome the announcement of a National Infrastructure Delivery Plan which we hope will provide clear, short-term delivery details for major projects and give manufacturers and builders the confidence they need to invest in skills and manufacturing capacity.
“Aside from that promised pipeline of work, there was little else of note for either manufacturers or the construction industry. The £750 million in spending on flood defences belatedly begins to make up for the cuts imposed during the previous government and is welcome news to those who have always been keen to offer sustainable, innovative solutions. In addition, the freeze on fuel duty will certainly be appreciated by our members distributing construction products up and down the UK. Finally, the government’s ongoing commitment to the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ will benefit both the regeneration of the region and the many manufacturers who are also major employers in the area themselves.”
“Given the constraints the government is facing from global headwinds and the cocktail of risks,” Dr Montgomery concluded, “we were always realistic in our expectations about today’s Budget. Our main focus continues to be on ensuring that government works with industry to create clear, consistent policies with long-term roadmaps for delivery. Ultimately, this will be key to encouraging investment, innovation and growth.”
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The Construction Products Association represents the UK’s manufacturers and distributors of construction products and materials. The sector directly provides jobs for 313,000 people across 21,000 companies and has an annual turnover of more than £50 billion. The Association acts as the leading voice to promote and campaign for this vital UK industry.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr Diana Montgomery
Chief Executive
Construction Products Association
Tel: 020 7323 3770
E-mail: diana.montgomery@constructionproducts.org.uk
Jeff May
Marketing and Communications Manager
Construction Products Association
Tel: 07904 476 166
E-mail: jeff.may@constructionproducts.org.uk
Follow the Construction Products Association on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CPA_Tweets