The Construction Products Association has warned that the UK’s economic recovery will stall if the government cuts back on its capital investment programme after the next election.

In the association’s annual report, the CPA expressed concern that many government targets had been missed, abandoned or replaced.

Commenting on the report, Michael Ankers, chief executive of the CPA, said: “Overall, capital spending per annum over the last decade has increased from £19.4 billion to £48.3 billion today, with particularly large increases in spending on education and health. This funding has delivered significant improvements in some key areas but as we approach and pass the general election, short term expedience must not be used as a substitute for long term vision.”

The report monitors delivery of the government’s plans for investment in the built environment in six key areas: education, health, social housing, road, rail and water infrastructure.

“Given the dramatic economic events of the last 18 months, cutting capital spending could be seen as the ‘easy’ option when it comes to trying to rebalance the public finances,” said Ankers. “But remember, this has been tried before following previous recessions and the apparent short term benefits have resulted in long term problems that have cost the country dearly, both socially and economically.”

Significant findings from the report are:

• Despite social housing being a key priority, the government is unlikely to meet its national target of delivering 45 000 new social homes per year by 2011

• It is looking increasing unlikely that the government will meet its target of ensuring 95% of homes meet the Decent Homes standard by 2010

• Despite recent progress, the Building Schools for the Future programme is running considerably behind schedule

• Proposals for investment in the health sub-sector beyond 2010 are very patchy and there is considerable concern that the enormous improvements achieved recently will be undermined unless there is a clear future output and delivery programme

• An efficient transport network brings considerable economic benefits and is essential for a successful economy. The government should reintroduce a long-term vision for developing the road network and make an urgent decision on the proposed high speed line, HS2

Source

Building Sustainable Design