Over 30 business leaders have written an open letter calling for a revised infrastructure strategy and spending plan from the next Government
Writing as part of the Northern Powerhouse Group, business leaders from the likes of Arup, Hitachi Europe and Costain have penned an open letter to the next government, calling for a revised spending strategy and clearer infrastructure plan.
The letter specifically calls for progress on Northern Powerhouse Rail, citing a decade of difficulties that have held back improving rail connections in the north of England.
“The rules of the game are broken”
Pointing to the success of the Elizabeth line, the letter opens by stating the benefits of infrastructure development- not just in creating community connections, but also creating jobs and taxable businesses as contributing to the economies, both local and national.
Despite grand promises of infrastructure from the Government over the last fourteen years, the letter highlights the variety of postponements, alterations and outright cancellations that have delayed delivery of the promised benefits.
The letter also calls for a “stronger Office for Budget Responsibility” to overhaul the way government departments handle spending, as currently “a pound on infrastructure is treated the same as a pound on benefits”.
Poor infrastructure is holding back regional growth
After the cancellation of the Manchester leg of HS2, the industry has asked when will progress be made on other rail connections, such as between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport, as well as Manchester-Liverpool connections.
The infrastructure open letter takes this one step further by saying that the next Government should address this within a year of taking office.
“Our next prime minister has big choices to make”
The letter concludes by emphasising the need for action while acknowledging that “the challenges we face as a country will take time to fix.”
But the industry stands ready, with the letter saying that the 30 companies who have signed the letter “will get behind any government that is prepared to commit to a long term infrastructure plan.”
You can read the full text of the infrastructure plan open letter below:
