A Manifesto For UK Infrastructure
28th July, 2010
THE party that wins this year’s General Election must find a way of maintaining investment in the infrastructure projects that will deliver long-term social, economic and environmental benefits, says the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in its Manifesto for UK Infrastructure, published today.
Feasibility studies for major regional schemes, including the Severn Barrage tidal project, must be driven forward, says the organisation - despite fears about how these types of schemes can be funded.
The newly-formed Infrastructure UK was set up to provide a focal point for planning and prioritising investment for UK infrastructure projects in the coming years. However, ICE has raised concerns that projects cannot be planned and prioritised until long-term funding sources have been identified and secured.
The Manifesto for UK Infrastructure summarises ICE’s principal recommendations aimed at addressing some of the main issues facing the UK in terms of investing, building and maintaining infrastructure.
It is calling for the creation of a UK National Infrastructure Investment Bank to attract the large volumes of private capital which will be needed to fund essential infrastructure investment.
It also wants to see a fair and efficient planning system to ensure vital infrastructure projects can proceed without undue delay.
Furthermore, ICE is calling for urgent action to reduce overall energy generation requirements through investment in domestic insulation and the expansion of combined heat and power schemes. It says reserve capacity also needs to be developed through an increase in gas storage capacity.
There also needs to be a boost in generation capability through the development and application of carbon capture and storage, says ICE. There is no shortage of coal either in the UK or globally, and if the pollution can be mitigated through carbon capture and storage, this would help keep this resource in the energy mix.
Barry Griffiths, Regional Director of ICE South West, said: “It is imperative that we invest in our transport, energy, waste, flooding and water infrastructure, despite current financial restraints. This infrastructure is vital for ensuring our future quality of life.
“Infrastructure UK will help to identify the country’s long-term infrastructure needs but the capital must be in place to actually deliver what is needed. From a regional point of view, the Severn tidal project must progress.”
The Manifesto for UK Infrastructure also looks at specific policy areas such as transport, flooding, defending critical infrastructure, waste management, water and waste water, capacity and skills and research and development.
