Business organisations have welcomed announcements on infrastructure and defence
Business organisations and representatives in Wales have welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement in his Budget of continued support for infrastructure investment such as the M4 and electrification.
They also expressed a hope that support for City Deals in England would also lead to support for the Welsh Government’s plans for city regions.
Neil Brierley, chair of RICS Wales, said: “The chief areas of focus for Wales from the UK Budget were infrastructure and funding. We welcome the renewed commitment from the UK Government in investing in infrastructure in Wales through projects such as the M4 relief road and the Great Western Line.
“We urge UK Government to work as closely as possible with Welsh Government and other stakeholders to help deliver these vital projects as soon as possible.
The consultation over an M4 relief road was launched last monthRICS welcomed the commitment to infrastructure spending in Wales
“The commitment to a roads fund and a pledge to work with the devolved administrations on how the money is spent there could offer the opportunity to significantly speed up progress on M4 improvement and we would call strongly for both the UK and Welsh Governments to take this forward in discussion as soon as possible.
“The focus on apprenticeships is welcome and we would urge the UK Government to work with Welsh Government to see how the plans of both administrations in this area can work together to leverage the maximum possible benefits from both.
“The Chancellor also committed to a funding floor for Wales. In principle this is to be welcomed, but the detail and any attached possible conditions will be crucial.
Aerial picture of Cardiff BayAnnouncements on city devolution in England might be of interest in the city region debate, RICS says
“While the Chancellor cited possible City Deals in England it is disappointing not to have an announcement on fully functioning city regions for Swansea Bay and the Cardiff Capital Region, something that the RICS has long called for. Again we would urge co-operation with Welsh Government to see how this could support the plans by Welsh Government for city regions.”
Chris Sutton, lead director at property consultancy JLL in Cardiff, said: “The Chancellor’s continued focus upon improving infrastructure was highlighted by his reference to the key projects of the M4 Relief Road and the electrification of the Great Western Mainline; it is vital that we continue to focus upon the delivery of these critical infrastructure projects for the future prosperity of the Welsh economy.
“This Budget strengthened the UK Government’s commitment to further devolution to the English regions. Measures were announced which may be of interest to the on-going city regions debate in South Wales, particularly the announcement of a ‘land commission’ for Manchester.
“The new Planning (Wales) Act introduces Strategic Development Plans for the two city regions in South Wales and these measures, alongside a ‘land commission’ or similar organisation, could provide innovation in the area of land use planning.”
Institute of Directors director for Wales Robert Lloyd Griffiths
Robert Lloyd Griffiths, director of the Institute of Directors, Wales: “George Osborne’s reference to investment in crucial new infrastructure for Wales including the M4 relief road and Great Western railway line is to be warmly welcomed. These improved transport links are something that our Welsh members have been campaigning for for some time and would have a dramatic impact on Welsh businesses.
“Following the successful roll-out of similar initiatives in England, Osborne is in support of a Cardiff City Deal which again, is very promising for Wales.”
Paul Byard, director for Wales at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said: “The Chancellor has served up a number of aces in supporting business investment allowances, plans to cut employer national insurance contributions, phased reductions in corporation tax and funding for road improvements.
The EEF welcomed the Chancellor’s commitment to increased defence spending
“His commitment to defence funding is welcome and will encourage investment in key technologies. I also support the principle of establishing a new national living wage.
“However he has double faulted on the training levy which manufacturers will be sceptical about. Until we see the detail it is not clear how this will help deliver the high quality apprenticeships we urgently need.
“Employers must be in the driving seat on this reform to ensure we get the right quality of apprenticeships and training. There will be no tolerance for recreating the failed skills bureaucracy of the past.
“The budget clearly recognises the need to prioritise measures which lay long-term foundations for sustainable growth and improved productivity. Industry will welcome the fact this has remained the focus of attention despite the tough choices which are necessary to balance the books.”
View the original content and more from this author here: http://ift.tt/1NT1xPY
from critical infrastructure alliance http://ift.tt/1CrnN2s
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment