CHAMBER INVOLVE: OPINION CHAMBER OPINION
Looking ahead to understand the priorities of the UK Government
This is an excerpt taken from the British Chambers of Commerce 2020 and Beyond: Business Priorities for the next UK Government
THE POLITICAL POLICIES THAT AFFECT THE REGION
Infrastructure Inadequate infrastructure is increasing the cost of doing business in the UK.
Where are we now? In 2018, the UK was ranked 16th in the world for utility infrastructure by the World Economic Forum.
We ranked 11th for transport infrastructure behind countries against which we compete, including France, Spain and the United States.
Only 34% of businesses agree that the UK rail network is meeting their needs. Worse, 68% feel that our road network has become less reliable over the last five years. As a result of inadequate transport infrastructure, businesses are facing:
• Increased travel costs.
• Restricted access to customers and increased costs of buying and selling products and services.
While businesses are more likely to agree that UK digital infrastructure is meeting their needs compared to rail and road, only 53% believe that mobile networks are more reliable than five years ago. Businesses consider the level of public sector
capital investment and the planning system - to be the biggest barriers to improved infrastructure.
Where do we need to be? • Ranking top 10 in the world for both transport and utility infrastructure by 2025.
• Raising public investment in infrastructure to at least 1.4% of GDP per year — exceeding the funding guideline of 1.2%, recommended by the National Infrastructure Commission.
• Working together - government, businesses and communities — as we transition to net- zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Infrastructure connects people to jobs and businesses to markets both nationally and around the world. It is no coincidence that the best-performing
economies are those ranked at the top for transport, energy and digital infrastructure. High and sustained investment in
infrastructure wouId send a strong message that the UK remains a great place to do business - particularly in light of the current political uncertainty. Investment in new transport technologies,
digital connectivity, a comprehensive energy strategy and major rail projects that take freight traffic off roads would also complement efforts to reach the net-zero emissions target.
How do we get there? Priority actions for the next UK Government: • Complete the legal frameworks for all phases of HS2, deliver promised investment in Northern Powerhouse Rail and proceed to
deliver a UK-wide high-speed rail network as soon as possible.
• Reaffirm support for private investment in the third runway at Heathrow Airport and other important major transport projects.
• Commit funding to bring local roads back up to scratch - quickly.
• Reform planning rules to support the deployment Of SG mobile signal infrastructure.
• Attract more private investment into public infrastructure by introducing a replacement for the Private Finance Initiative.
• Strengthen national planning guidelines in England to protect land for business and employment.
On net-zero emissions: • Commit to an energy strategy that helps us achieve this target, while maintaining affordable and reliable energy for businesses.
On devolution: • Ensure more devolved decision-making on infrastructure schemes of regional importance in England.
• Provide a real say for businesses in local decision-making on infrastructure, not tick- box consultation.
Spring 2020 Chamber Profile 25
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