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Leading engineers, surveyors and town planners have today written to Chancellor Gordon Brown calling for a clear plan for delivering multi-billion pound investment in the nation’s essential infrastructure ahead of the forthcoming Planning White Paper.
The letter representing 230,000 professionals from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is asking the Government to clarify its plans for major investments into new transport, energy, waste and water infrastructure.
Recent reports to the Treasury from Sir Rod Eddington and Kate Barker have highlighted that Britain needs to invest in major infrastructure to secure and prolong the growth that it has enjoyed over the past 10 years. Major projects are required to create more flexible labour markets, ensure energy security, accommodate population growth and guard against environmental harm.
Quentin Leiper, ICE President, commented: “Failure to invest in our infrastructure could lead to further traffic congestion, more hosepipe bans and over-reliance on imported gas supplies. Ultimately, essential infrastructure investment is vital for improving the nation’s quality of life.”
The letter has been sent to the Chancellor ahead of the publication of the Planning White Paper which ICE, RICS and RTPI see as an ideal opportunity to engage investors in considering how new funding for infrastructure should be sourced and new projects implemented.
The three construction bodies are calling for a National Infrastructure Framework to help government determine the location of major new infrastructure. The Framework should be regularly monitored in comprehensive spending reviews and would link into Regional Spatial Strategies.
Jim Claydon, RTPI President, said: “To secure the growth that Britain has enjoyed over the past 10 years, we need a national framework for major infrastructure. The obvious first step is to map existing infrastructure investment and future intentions.”
(CL)
