In the wake of the Government’s Spring Statement, delivered yesterday by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the highways sector has issued some pertinent responses.
Beatrice Barleon, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, EngineeringUK, commented:
“The Chancellor’s recognition of the importance of investing in skills through a new training package for up to 60,000 new construction workers is welcome and essential to delivering on the Government’s growth mission, which is underpinned by plans to build 1.5 million homes and to strengthen the UK’s national security.
“EngineeringUK is calling on the Government to go further in the Spending Review and Autumn Budget later this year and look to address the financial barriers to technical and vocational entry routes into engineering and technology for all young people.
“Government must recognise its role in training the next generation and look to move towards a new model of directly funding apprenticeships for 16- to 18-year-olds to help reverse the decline in uptake of apprenticeships for this age group.
“Government must also look to invest in programmes and activities we know work in getting young people interested in careers in engineering & technology, and support the teachers that will help deliver them. We look to government to reverse recent cuts to Continuous Professional Development for STEM teachers and continue to support outreach programmes reaching into schools. The investment in construction training announced today is a positive step in the right direction, but this action needs to be replicated through investment across the full STEM skills pipeline.”
Ann Carruthers, President of ADEPT, said:
“The Spring Statement delivered by the Chancellor today recognises the complex and challenging environment our country finds itself in. Times are indeed uncertain, and the global landscape has demanded a response acknowledging the need for increased spending in areas including defence.
“These are urgent requirements which need clear and decisive action because of their immediacy.
“But what must also be acknowledged is that in the not-too-distant future, other challenges including those concerning our ageing highways infrastructure, climate change adaptation, housing delivery, planning and waste management will, in their turn, also become immediate, non-negotiable issues requiring urgent spending and action.
“It is the desire of ADEPT and its members that these issues be addressed now with effective, long term comprehensive solutions, many of which are the result of research and expertise originating from our organisation and its partnerships. While we welcome spending to support industry and job creation in areas across the country including Barrow, more must be done to help local government support local communities.
“The reality we face is that the essential services people rely on every day are being pushed to breaking point. We expected more time and attention to be given to these concerns in this Spring Statement.
“Place-based services – from roads to waste collection, housing and green spaces – are integral to supporting healthier, more sustainable communities that subsequently deliver the desired growth and prosperity the government has aspirations for. Yet, without adequate resources, local authorities are simply unable to deliver these critical services.
“Although this statement has not answered our pleas for the urgent reforms needed to address local government funding, ADEPT is fully committed to pushing for long term, sustainable solutions for the sector – we are ready to work alongside the government to achieve this. Only with predictable, adequate funding can we ensure the continuation of the essential services that make our places resilient, safe and supportive for everyone.”
