Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has today published its paper, Where now for Combined Authorities: The impact of the vote to leave the EU, which outlines its firm belief that key decisions about strategic planning, transport, housing and economic development should be taken at a local level to maximise the economic benefit for city regions, such as the West Midlands and Greater Manchester.
In the paper the company draws on its considerable experience of delivering infrastructure that underpins our daily lives and enables economic growth. Ahead of the Autumn Statement, Balfour Beatty makes the case for why, post-Brexit, the Government’s continued commitment to devolution is integral and a firm commitment to funding is necessary to avoid stalling of the projects set out in the National Infrastructure Delivery Plan. The company also suggests that the time is right for Combined Authorities and other devolved bodies to develop strategies to ensure that they maximise the opportunities arising from Brexit, and that they must be involved in negotiating the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Commenting today Mike Reade, Regional Director for Balfour Beatty, said: “The devolution agenda is critical to delivering an economy that works for everyone and we need to maintain the momentum to get the full benefit.
“As we leave the EU, giving the City regions greater autonomy to shape their local economies, helping business create jobs, becomes even more important.
“We believe these innovative reforms, which devolve key decision about infrastructure improvement can be the foundation to boost economies around the country.”
Key recommendations within the paper include considering new forms of infrastructure investment, encouraging Combined Authorities to continue to work with local businesses to understand their needs and urging Combined Authorities to engage fully in Brexit negotiations to ensure their communities are represented.
ENDS
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Gill Stephens
Balfour Beatty
t: +44 (0)207 121 3873
e: gill.stephens@balfourbeatty.com
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Notes to editors:
- Balfour Beatty (www.balfourbeatty.com) is a leading international infrastructure group. With 34,000 employees, we provide innovative and efficient infrastructure that underpins our daily lives, supports communities and enables economic growth. We finance, develop, build and maintain complex infrastructure such as transportation, power and utility systems, social and commercial buildings.
- Our main geographies are the UK, US, Middle East and South East Asia. Over the last 100 years we have created iconic buildings and infrastructure all over the world including the London Olympics’ Aquatic Centre, Hong Kong’s first Zero Carbon building, the world’s biggest shopping mall in Dubai, the National Museum of the Marine Corps in the US and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
