UK Autumn Budget 2024: Industry reactions on infrastructure funding and skills shortages
The UK Government’s recent Autumn Budget has drawn mixed responses from the infrastructure and transport sectors, largely because of a blend of ambitious project funding alongside concerns over skills shortages and funding adequacy. Key infrastructure projects include the High Speed 2 (HS2) tunnels, the TransPennine Route Upgrade, and the East-West Rail between Oxford and Cambridge, all of which are expected to boost connectivity and economic growth.
In a New Civil Engineer article, Jonathan Edwards, GHD’s EMEA Market Development Leader, acknowledges the importance of efficient public transport in supporting housing targets and improving community outcomes. However, he emphasised the need for a full government commitment to deliver on these plans.
Transport in the UK only works if the rail industry does, and it should start with more radical reform and funding for change and delivery.
“The chancellor has yet to reassure the industry that transport is at the top of the agenda. We need policy and funding from the government to enable a long-term plan for our critical national infrastructure.
“The government can’t afford to hit the brakes and must enable the private and public sectors to work at speed to deliver its transport goals.”
Media contact
About GHD
GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 160 offices located on five continents.