The UK’s next government must create a new infrastructure department to tackle the country’s “urgent” challenges from day one, the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has said.
A dedicated infrastructure office would streamline decision-making and provide leadership, according to ACE, which has released its manifesto A Plan for the next UK Government in conjuction with the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC). It believes this department should be established within the first 10 days of the new government.
The new department is one of three priorities set out by the ACE and EIC for their members ahead of the General Election on 4 July.
The document also calls for updated National Infrastructure and Industrial Strategies such as smoother planning processes, legislation to prevent cancellation of key projects as well as prompt payment policies and legislation to protect SMEs.
The bodies also urged the next government to put a “fair and proportionate approach to risk” high on its agenda, including legislation for a cap on liability so that SMEs can afford to bid for involvement on large projects.
Within 60 days, the ACE would like to see a budget that prioritises UK infrastructure needs. “The Autumn Statement can champion the built environment and empower industry growth,” it says.
Delivering the plan
To deliver on these priorities, the ACE has outlined three crucial factors.
First is cross-party consensus to establish a “partnership that is cohesive, attactive to industry and long-term”.
Long-term stability is another important factor, according to ACE, because “it is crucial to communicate to the public a steadfast and consistent vision for the nation’s infrastructure landscape”. Long-term stability means putting in place a robust pipeline for delivery including timelines, milestones and measurable social value outcomes, as well as having “an open conversation about cost”, according to the document.
All of this must be facilitated by the right policy and regulatory tools, the manifesto states. This must see decision-making processes streamlined in order to deliver swift and informed action. “This agility is central to unlocking industry potential, allowing it to drive sustainable and innovative solutions,” it states.
Challenges
ACE chief executive Kate Jennings said MPs chosen for the next government will face a “deluge of challenges” ranging from the need for fixed or new schools, better integrated transport, more housing and retrofitting of existing buildings.
“At the same time, they need to address the one very real crisis we are facing: depletion of our natural environment. and the ensuing impacts of climate change on our safety, natural resources and way of living.
She added: “With an incredible cumulative breadth and depth of expertise in both the built and natural environment, our members hold the know-how answers to many of the big questions. Their collective intelligence and collaboration is crucial to empowering the next government to deliver safer, sustainable and connected places.”
Last month the Labour Party’s revealed its intention to merge the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) and Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) into a “new, powerful” body if it comes into power after the General Election.
The body will be called the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (Nista) and Labour said it would “be given new powers and an updated mandate to drive more effective delivery of major projects and infrastructure across the country”.
Like what you’ve read? To receive New Civil Engineer’s daily and weekly newsletters click here.