The Association for Consultancy and Engineering and the Environmental Industries Commission, the voice for consultants in the built and environmental industries sectors, has published A Plan for the Next Government. This plan goes beyond a manifesto to a 100 day plus action strategy. Practical steps are included to help the new government act upon the urgent infrastructure and environment challenges from day one. 

Kate Jennings CEO of ACE and EIC said, “MPs chosen for the next government will face a deluge of challenges ranging from the need for fixed or new schools, better integrated transport, more housing and retrofitting of existing buildings, new hospitals to better sewerage systems and more reservoirs…it’s a long to do list. At the same time, they need to address the one very real crisis we are facing: depletion of our natural environment. and the ensuing impacts of climate change on our safety, natural resources and way of living. 

“With an incredible cumulative breadth and depth of expertise in both the built and natural environment, our members hold the know-how answers to many of the big questions. Their collective intelligence and collaboration is crucial to empowering the next government to deliver safer, sustainable and connected places.” 

Key points in the plan include: 

• A new Department of Infrastructure

By bringing together expertise from across sectors and disciplines, the Department will see that infrastructure investment is prioritised, strategic, and aligned to national priorities of nature restoration, mitigating the impact of climate change and delivery of economic growth so that people and businesses can flourish in places that are efficient, safe and appealing. 

• An updated National Infrastructure and Industrial Strategies to facilitate certainty and sustainability in investment and project delivery. For example, steps include the introduction of smoother planning processes, legislation to prevent cancellation of key projects as well as prompt payment policies and legislation to protect SMEs and unlock innovation.
• A fair and proportionate approach to risk, including legislation for a cap on liability so that SMEs can afford to bid for involvement on large projects and foster greater uptake of innovative solutions.

Kate Jennings added, “Our members have informed this action plan as they are keen to see sustainable growth in the UK and are ideally placed to partner with the next government to help make much needed and positive changes a reality.” 

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