What's Happening?
The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has called on the UK Government to adopt a smarter planning approach and expedite building processes in its upcoming Autumn Budget. ACE emphasizes the need for a comprehensive 30-year infrastructure
strategy to drive growth and enhance the country's infrastructure. The organization highlights issues such as fragmented planning, disparate devolution, and outdated procurement practices as barriers to progress. Representing a £39 billion industry with 470,000 employees, ACE asserts that the engineering and consultancy sector is prepared to lead infrastructure-driven growth if the government removes these obstacles. Kate Jennings, CEO of ACE, advocates for smarter planning, faster decision-making, and genuine partnerships with experts to achieve the UK's growth ambitions.
Why It's Important?
The call for smarter planning and faster building is significant as it addresses the need for efficient infrastructure development, which is crucial for economic growth and competitiveness. By implementing a long-term infrastructure strategy, the UK can maximize return on investment, build investor confidence, and ensure value for money. Empowering local leaders with integrated budgets and enhancing compulsory purchase powers can streamline processes and foster regional development. Recognizing engineering design as a strategic sector and simplifying fiscal burdens can further support growth. These reforms aim to secure the future of UK infrastructure, promoting faster delivery, smarter design, and greener growth, which are essential for the country's readiness for future challenges.
What's Next?
If the government adopts ACE's recommendations, it could lead to significant changes in infrastructure planning and delivery. The proposed 30-year strategy would require collaboration between government and industry experts to ensure effective implementation. Empowering mayors with multi-year budgets and revolutionizing compulsory purchase powers could accelerate regional development. Additionally, recognizing engineering design as a strategic sector and reforming VAT could support retrofit delivery and brownfield development. These steps could position the UK as a leader in infrastructure development, ready to meet the demands of the next century.
Beyond the Headlines
The push for smarter planning and faster building has deeper implications for the UK's approach to infrastructure. It highlights the need for a shift in government behavior from a spender to an investor, which could drive productivity and reduce costs. The emphasis on design and digitization in planning and building safety systems reflects a move towards more innovative and efficient practices. These changes could lead to a more sustainable and resilient infrastructure, capable of adapting to future environmental and technological challenges.
