Engineers’ Judgement of New Government as it Marks 100 Days in Office
24th August, 2010
THE Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has given a progress report on the coalition Government, which has now been in power for 100 days.
Tom Foulkes, Director General of the Institution of Civil Engineers, said: “We are pleased that in its first 100 days the new Government has been vocal about the importance of effective and sustainable infrastructure to the future of the UK, however we still need clarity around how exactly we will meet pressing environmental targets, guarantee energy security and most importantly, attract the private investment to achieve these goals.
“With an estimated £40-50bn per year needed in infrastructure investment in the next decade, we need clear thinking on how funds will be raised and the proposed Green Investment Bank could have a vital role to play – but we are yet to be convinced it will be robust and comprehensive enough for the scale of the challenge ahead.
“Similarly, the planning system is up in the air and while there have been reassurances that the transition to a new regime will be smooth and continue to fast-track vital projects such as wind farms and power plants, in the next 100 days Government must focus on giving industry confidence to plan for the long-term.”
ICE South West has long argued for robust transport infrastructure and a secure energy supply due to the region’s remote location in parts.
ENDS
