Construction Minister Mark Prisk MP has told the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) that investment in infrastructure was now a key driver for growth.
Speaking at ACE's fourth Parliamentary reception recently, Mr Prisk said: 'The construction sector has a key role to play in the recovery, which is why we are investing in infrastructure and taking action to remove barriers to growth in the sector. Our first ever National Infrastructure plan will see around 40 different projects starting very soon in everything from roads and rail, to power stations and flood defences, to give a real boost to the industry.
'But there's no point in making this investment if rules and regulations are getting in the way. So we are also reforming Government procurement of major projects to strip out the bureaucracy and streamline the process, while also cutting the red tape in the planning regime through the National Planning Policy Framework.'
ACE chief executive Nelson Ogunshakin OBE said: 'ACE welcomes the rise of infrastructure investment up the political agenda as the World Economic Forum placed the UK at 28 in the world for infrastructure, compared to France third and Germany eighth. It has continued to be a key focus this year we hope to see that continue as the Chancellor sets out more detailed plans for next year in the Autumn Statement, November 29. We have a long way to go, but ACE will continue to support the growth agenda and government efforts to strengthen the economy.'
