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The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) welcomes the decision to establish Infrastructure UK (IUK) as a positive contribution to the UK infrastructure debate. ACE looks forward to working with the government and those in IUK to ensure that a long term strategic infrastructure plan is developed.
The announcement is a welcome signal of intent to focus on the strategic infrastructure that the UK needs. IUK could help to ensure that good use is made of limited investment funds.
Nelson Ogunshakin, ACE chief executive, said: “Today the Chancellor has acknowledged our calls for a strategic approach to the UK’s essential infrastructure. Our transport, water and energy networks are the life line of the UK economy and are too valuable to be allowed to develop piecemeal.”
ACE believes questions still remain over the UK’s ability to fund the strategic improvements necessary. ACE recently suggested establishing special “infrastructure gilts” to help provide the necessary capital.
Nelson Ogunshakin added: “There must be a serious cross-party commitment to reform the way we invest in these resources. The water industry in particular is suffering due to the cyclical, short-term nature of capital investment. Failing to reform will have a detrimental impact on our ability to deliver world class, sustainable infrastructure.”
ACE hopes that all the other main parties will now set out their proposals in detail.
-ENDS-
For press information please contact Simon Goldie on 020 7227 1892 or 07905 279328 – sgoldie@acenet.co.uk
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