RICS CEO comments on new UK infrastructure strategy

RICS CEO Justin Young commented on the UK Government’s infrastructure strategy announcement:

"The ten-year infrastructure strategy announced by the UK Government is a timely announcement on the back of the new National Housing Bank announced earlier this week. If we are to meet the 1.5 million housebuilding target the Government set last year, we need the critical infrastructure - the roads, schools, hospitals and other social service buildings that go with it. It is not enough to just build homes - we must build communities with them, and this starts with a clear, joined-up infrastructure strategy that incorporates long-term thinking and vision.

"This new strategy sets the country on a considerably clearer path and represents a significant shift in how the Government approaches infrastructure and industrial capacity. Importantly, it seeks to unlock development across the country while promoting sustainability and energy efficiency. Ongoing skills and labour shortages stifle construction projects and investment in skills for new professionals and upskilling for industry veterans is another promising development. Confidence is critical for the construction industry, and this strategy sets a powerful message of intent to meet the challenges of the next ten years."

-ENDS-

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

We are RICS. Everything we do is designed to effect positive change in the built and natural environments. Through our respected global standards, leading professional progression and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

Our work with others provides a foundation for confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and is a force for positive social impact.

For more information:

Kris Hicks

khicks@rics.org

press@rics.org