GE editor Nia Kajastie talks about the construction and engineering industry’s expectations for the new government.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak caught most of us by surprise with the sudden announcement of the UK general election for 4 July. After years of begging for more stability and consistency, the construction and engineering sectors were also taken aback.
As expected, the snap election has caused uncertainty and delays for infrastructure schemes. Among them are National Highways’ Lower Thames Crossing, British Ports’ Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal, Network Rail’s East West Rail and EDF’s Sizewell C.
But many in the industry are now laser-focused on the future. They are keen to see a new administration that will commit to infrastructure delivery and offer a renewed construction focus.
The earlier-than-expected election date could also be a positive development if it helps provide a clearer picture for the remainder of 2024 and next year.
Overall, industry figures are asking for a government that will communicate with consultants, contractors, clients and trade bodies to better understand how they operate. There is also a need for streamlining planning processes and further efforts to achieve national net zero targets.
If they win the election, the Conservative Party has said it would provide 100,000 new apprenticeship places annually by 2029 and offer more levelling up funding for UK towns. The Labour Party, on the other hand, intends to create the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority to ease the delivery of major capital projects. With their recently published elections manifestos going into more depth.
However, no matter the current pledges and promises, many infrastructure and construction contractors and consultants want to see the future government “depoliticise” infrastructure. A group of 13 tier one companies has published its recommendations in a Blueprint for growth.
Whatever party or combination of parties form the next government, the construction and engineering industry has some major expectations for the new administration.