As the countdown begins to the June 2017 General Election, this week the Liberal Democrats issued their Manifesto.
The manifesto pledged long term investment in rail and road infrastructure, HS2, Crossrail 2 and rail electrification. On the face of it, of course our industry would welcome these commitments, as investment .
There also seems to be an understanding that a long-term stable economy is paramount to the UK, especially post-BREXIT. However, how would they propose to pay for such a commitment, higher taxes through National Insurance , action against corporate tax evasion, or are facing significant borrowing?
Liberal Democrats will therefore commit to a responsible and realistic £100 billion package of additional infrastructure investment. This will prioritise: New direct spending on house-building to help build 300,000 homes a year by 2022. A programme of installing hyper-fast, fibre optic broadband across the UK. Capital investment in schools and hospitals to support capacity increases and modernisation. Significant investment in road and rail infrastructure, including a continued commitment to HS2, Crossrail 2 and rail electrification. Additional funding to bring more private investment into renewable energy. £5 billion of initial capital for a new British Housing and Infrastructure Development Bank, using public money to attract private investment for these priorities. We will ensure that the National Infrastructure Commission takes fully into account the environmental implications of all national infrastructure decisions. We will also devolve significant infrastructure spending to local areas.
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