Chancellor’s Statement: capital transport and infrastructure high priority

Waterman’s director and ACE board member, Ruth Jeffs , welcomes the Government’s approach

The chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announced his Autumn Statement to Parliament today, detailing the ways in which the Government will attempt to deliver a plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and rebuild our economy. The three priorities are stability, growth, and public services. Delivery of key capital transport infrastructure projects remains high on the agenda, including HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and East-West Rail. Nothing will be cut from capital budgets in the next two years, and these will be maintained at that level in cash terms for the following three years.

Commenting on the Autumn Statement, Ruth Jeffs said: “The ACE and Waterman welcome the government’s acknowledgement that a robust economy depends on strong public services, and that transport infrastructure schemes will play a key part in driving economic growth. Whilst we’re pleased to see the renewed focus on transport, this must not jeopardise Government support for the UK’s net zero commitments. We know that transport is the biggest CO2 emitter by sector, and the ACE looks forward to seeing how the Government balances these decisions with the transport decarbonisation plan. Overall, we are delighted to see continued commitment to the Glasgow Climate Pact agreed at COP26, including a 68% reduction in our emissions by 2030.”

As part of any infrastructure delivery plan, the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) continues to call for a new focus on the Local Highway Network. Today, the Government has also published its response to consultation on powers and responsibilities for locally important roads, which explored whether to give Mayors and their Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) more decision-making powers over, and accountability for, the management of their Key Route Networks (KRNs). Waterman is pleased that the Government has supported the ACE’s call for Mayors to determine maintenance and improvement requirements for the KRN, with delivery of this remaining with Local Authorities and existing asset management arrangements. This has the potential to demonstrate how the highway network will support the delivery of a carbon-neutral system, make transport healthier, and ultimately facilitate economic growth.

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