The general election has dominated all political activity in recent weeks, with the curtailment of normal government business necessitated by the dissolution of parliament.
However, as the dust starts to settle in the outcome and a new administration takes shape, the question of how quickly decisions are made about major construction projects is sure to arise. Indeed, in the final days of the campaign, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) has called for decisions to be expedited when the election is over.
CECA is keen to see the new administration push on with decisions over projects such as the Lower Thames Crossing, which will see a road tunnel created to link Kent and Essex. The decision has been postponed until October due to the election.
A quicker – and positive – decision would be excellent news for tunnelling companies, including those involved in concrete waterproofing work.
The organisation has produced a document outlining what it believes should be the priorities for the first 100 days of the new government, with a strong emphasis on making speedy decisions on projects delayed by the election. As well as the Lower Thames Crossing, these include new terminals at Luton Airport and the port of Immingham.
CECA director of operations Marie-Claude Hemming said: “The success of the UK infrastructure sector rests on certainty of pipeline, clarity of policy, and close co-operation between industry and government.”
She added that the manifestos and campaigns had shown that all the parties “rightfully identified infrastructure delivery as a primary driver of economic growth and the backbone of a sustainable future”.
Other major projects that could get underway in the next parliament include the proposed Stonehenge Tunnel in Wiltshire.However, while this £1.7 billion project has been given the green light, Keir Starmer has said he will review it if he becomes prime minister, amid warnings that UNESCO might strip Stonehenge of World Heritage Status if the project goes ahead.