The Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) 2013 was published today and CIHT are reviewing the impact this will have on the transport sector.

CIHT welcome the Chancellor’s acknowledgement that infrastructure is a key economic priority.

Announcements included:
•    £50bn of infrastructure capital investment in 2015 -16
•    £9.5bn capital budget for Transport in 2015-16 (a £2bn rise on 2014-15).
CIHT believe that investment in a fully functioning transport infrastructure is essential to underpinning a successful economy and has been at the forefront of the Institution’s vision for a prosperous economic future for the UK.

Sue Percy, Chief Executive, CIHT said:

“CIHT welcome the recognition that infrastructure investment is a driver of economic growth. Transport infrastructure is vital to the whole spectrum of society. Investment will create and retain jobs whilst supporting economic recovery. We wait to see the detail behind the proposed £100bn of infrastructure investment that will be outlined tomorrow in ‘Investing in Britain’s Future’."

“The UK must develop an integrated long term transport infrastructure investment strategy. To achieve success the strategy must have cross-party agreement and look beyond the political cycle to a 20 year timeframe.”

“CIHT believe that the strategy must identify new ways of financing the development of new and existing transport infrastructure across the UK. Adopting a long term strategy that sits above the political cycle would allow investors to have more confidence in investing in infrastructure. The Chancellor should continue to seek opportunities for more infrastructure investment to generate even greater benefits.”

“Whilst we welcome the focus on major infrastructure, CIHT has concerns with the reduction of 9.3% for the Department for Transport everyday budget and the impact this will have on local transport schemes and the maintenance of the local road network.“

“CIHT believes that local authorities need increased investment to address their highways maintenance backlog. Failure to address deteriorating assets will result in much higher costs to rectify the problems in the future. The long-term cost of maintaining the network could be significantly reduced by taking forward intensive improvements to local roads.”

CIHT will be reviewing the detail of the CSR as it emerges and be producing an analysis of the detail behind the major announcements and what it means to the sector.

ENDS

Notes for editors

Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation

CIHT is a membership organisation representing over 12,000 people who work in the highways and transportation sector.

CIHT members plan, design, build, operate and maintain best-in-class transport systems and infrastructure, whilst respecting the imperatives of improving safety, ensuring economic competitiveness and minimising environmental impact.

CIHT supports its member’s professional endeavours by:
• offering training, information, professional development and support
• promoting the value added to society by the profession
• being the focused voice to Governments and other decision makers on transportation expertise and knowledge.

For more information please contact:

Daniel Isichei
Director of Communications
daniel.isichei@ciht.org.uk  t: +44(0)20 7336 1567 m: 07912 122573 www.ciht.org.uk