Business dissatisfaction with UK infrastructure reaches record levels

Of nearly 730 firms questioned, some 96% ranked infrastructure as a concern and 55% described it as critical as a priority on the government agenda.

CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn described the development of better infrastructure as a vital lever for spreading prosperity across the whole of the UK.

“With continuing uncertainty over Brexit, it’s all the more important the Government delivers quality infrastructure as a key pillar of a modern and effective industrial strategy, from excellent quality gateways to the world to a funding framework that gives investors the sustained confidence they need,” she remarked.

It’s all the more important the Government delivers quality infrastructure as a key pillar of a modern and effective industrial strategy

Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general, CBI 

The report authors acknowledged Whitehall has made a clear commitment with the Clean Growth Strategy and the £500 billion infrastructure pipeline, plus the new runway at Heathrow and planned A303 tunnel.

Just 20% of surveyed firms are satisfied with the pace of delivery and 74% doubt infrastructure will improve over this Parliament. The digital sector is the exception, however, where 59% of firms are confident of improvements

Richard Robinson, chief executive – civil infrastructure, Europe, Middle East, India and Africa, at AECOM, commented: “Given the strong correlation between infrastructure investment and economic growth, it is hardly surprising that when infrastructure decisions are delayed, it is UK business that feels the pain.

“More needs to be done to raise confidence and up the pace in which infrastructure is delivered.“