Commenting on the National Infrastructure Commission’s letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on infrastructure planning and investment, Mike Spicer, director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The National Infrastructure Commission is right to stress the importance of protecting infrastructure spend in the government’s forthcoming spending review. Business expects that the government will use the forthcoming Spending Review to reaffirm existing commitments to HS2, and commit to vital projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail.
“Businesses rely on the UK’s infrastructure to connect with customers, suppliers and staff. Many firms believe the reliability of the country’s transport network in particular has worsened in recent years, as capacity constraints, congestion and delays in the development of new routes have left businesses frustrated.
“The BCC has long called for a renewed focus on fixing the fundamentals here in the UK. Investing in physical and digital infrastructure is vital to the prosperity and competitiveness of the UK in the future.”