Ahead of the Autumn
Budget on 22 November, Dr Diana Montgomery, Chief Executive of the Construction
Products Association, has written to the Chancellor.
The CPA has welcomed
a renewed commitment to an Industrial Strategy, and acknowledges the industry’s
responsibility to work with government to ensure the competitiveness of UK plc
on a new global stage.
The letter outlines
the contribution the construction products industry makes to the UK economy,
directly providing employment for almost 300,000 people across 22,000
companies, and urges the Chancellor to consider a range of short and long-term
measures covering housing, infrastructure, and investment and UK
competitiveness.
The CPA touches on
Housing and urges the Government to continue committing to the Help To Buy loan
scheme beyond the current 2020/21 deadline.
It also highlights
the growing importance of infrastructure programmes to the wider industry and
seeks assurances on short-terms repairs and maintenance, as well as a pledge to
fulfil the Government's "balanced scorecard" approach to procurement.
The CPA also raises
concerns about continued industry investment and the competitiveness of the UK.
It wants a secure, affordable low carbon energy supply and a review of the
current Business Rates system.
