Institution of Civil Engineers - General - London, London

Date: 14 Dec 2009

New report says: keep politics out of London's infrastructure.

London's engineers and businesses have today warned against allowing political agendas to delay delivery of critical infrastructure projects.

The appeal was made at the launch of a report by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) which revealed that 61 per cent of businesses and 83 per cent of engineers think quality infrastructure is a very important factor in attracting companies to the capital.

Both engineers and firms stated that leadership over political cycles is the most significant factor of concern in getting vital projects built. Similarly, 62 percent of civil engineers in the capital and 64 per cent of businesses believe that central government is not taking a sufficiently strategic long term view on major infrastructure projects.

Dan Harvey, ICE, said:

"With lengthy lead times for new and upgraded infrastructure, it is crucial that the Government takes a long-term view on London's infrastructure projects. For businesses and industry to have the confidence to invest, Government must provide a strategic planning overview of the needs for national infrastructure.

"This week's Pre-Budget Report announcement on the creation of Infrastructure UK is a step in the right direction, and we hope this new body will ensure co-ordinated delivery of the UK's long-term infrastructure needs.

"The bodies that are already in place, especially the Infrastructure Planning Commission, will help to provide this overview as well as speed up the planning process to ensure timely delivery of critical projects. It is vitally important that these bodies are maintained in some form under any new government."

Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive of the LCCI said:

"Our political leaders must allow the experts to decide whether proposed developments are appropriate under current planning laws rather than let vocal minorities and short term politics jeopardise infrastructure projects that are vital to the UK's prosperity. The business community backs the Infrastructure Planning Commission because it will give developers the certainty they need to invest in the UK. We urge whatever party comes to power next year to maintain the IPC and at least give it the chance to succeed."

The report highlights five recommendations for improving the planning and delivery of infrastructure projects in London:

1. Better long-term planning and forward thinking by central government, beyond political cycles and short-term economic conditions

2. More innovative approaches to finance strategies, including both privately and publicly funded projects

3. Continued support and funding for the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) to streamline decision-making on major projects

4. The Mayor of London must continue to lobby central government on the capital's behalf, and the Greater London Authority (GLA) must develop positive, constructive working partnerships with Local Authorities

5. A real commitment to improving the engineering skills base, to encourage more young people into the profession and establish longer views on the type of skills required to meet future challenges, including climate change.

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