Civil engineers want politicians to put infrastructure at heart of manifestos
THE INSTITUTION of Civil Engineers (ICE) has today released a manifesto for the upcoming election, in which they call on politicians to prioritise infrastructure, and for the next UK government to focus on a long term infrastructure plan.
ICE have laid out 10 key policies they want the political parties to adopt. They include the creation of an independent infrastructure body, fast progress on the Davies airports commission, and better collaboration with local government to work through the backlog on necessary road maintenance.
With a focus on the long term, ICE want the government to “future-proof” new infrastructure, make a commitment to a maintenance investment programme for flood risk management, and establish an office for resource management.
They also want energy market reform to be implemented to keep down energy costs and improve decarbonisation of electricity.
ICE also called for higher-quality apprenticeships, tougher Ofsted inspections and promotion of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects at school.
ICE Director General, Nick Baveystock, said: “Infrastructure is the foundation of all modern societies – it not only boosts GDP and job creation but regenerates communities, connects people and places and equips future generations with desirable skills.”