News

The IHE has joined a coalition of leading trade bodies representing the roads maintenance sector in England to call on the UK Government to introduce five-year budgets for local roads as part of its Spending Review.

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), the Mineral Products Association (MPA), the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), and the IHE have jointly written to chancellor Rachel Reeves MP to argue for the introduction of five-year funding cycles to maximise efficiency, drive innovation and provide long-term certainty for the industry.

Lyle Andrew, IHE chief executive, said: ‘The IHE believes that long-term funding would allow employers and training providers to plan strategically, ensuring skills provision meets industry demand. Stable, long-term funding would also create stronger partnerships between employers, professional bodies and training institutions, resulting in a workforce capable of meeting evolving infrastructure needs.

‘By implementing five-year funding commitments, the Government would enable businesses to invest in upskilling their workforce with confidence, ensuring the UK’s engineering sector remains resilient and capable of delivering critical transport and infrastructure projects.’

CECA director of operations, Marie-Claude Hemming, said: ‘The roads network is the backbone of the economy and is a vital catalyst for growth. Moving to a five-year funding cycle will provide local authorities with the visibility needed to plan ahead effectively and allow companies working in the sector to unlock efficiencies, foster innovation, and deliver better outcomes for millions of road users.

‘Should the Government work with industry to implement five-year funding cycles, we believe it will see increased returns on this investment in terms of growth, job creation and the economic multipliers that a world-class, future ready roads network will deliver.’

ACE chief executive Kate Jennings commented: ‘Much needed funding visibility will enable business to plan ahead – unlocking investment, promoting job creation, driving skills development, innovation and maximising efficiencies. Ultimately contributing to economic growth through more resilient, future-proof infrastructure.’

Robert McIlveen, senior director of communications and public affairs at the MPA, said: ‘Local authorities need more certainty over their highways budgets to enable them to focus on long-term, proactive maintenance and reducing the number of potholes forming in the first place. ‘A five-year funding commitment would deliver better value for money and better roads.’