Investment in the Built Environment
Tuesday, 02, Dec 2008 05:13
Following the past three Spending Reviews (2000, 2002, & 2004) and the setting of measurable output targets by Government spending departments, the Construction Products Association has produced an annual report "Achievable Targets".
Following the past three Spending Reviews (2000, 2002, & 2004) and the setting of measurable output targets by Government spending departments, the Construction Products Association has produced an annual report "Achievable Targets". The most recent report was published in September 2005. The report monitors the delivery of Government's plans for investment in the built environment, covering the critical areas of social housing, school buildings and hospitals, and roads, railways and water infrastructure.
Over the last decade, Britain has been at the bottom of the European investment league in GDP percentage terms (7% against an average of 12%). This Government has attempted to address the decades of under-investment in public services, and “Achievable Targets” aims to monitor their targets and progress towards delivery to allow the industry to make the major investments necessary to enable their delivery.
The research shows that targets are being missed, new targets are not being set and, in many areas, progress towards those targets is not even being monitored. Our star ratings in each section of the report reflect this. In addition, we have made recommendations in each key area to enable the Government to bring its planned programme of investment back on target.
Sir Digby Jones, Director General of the CBI, endorses the report in the foreword, warning that too many Government targets are being missed, and in too many areas inadequate mechanisms are in place to monitor what progress is being made and whether the investment is providing value for money. He points out that the private sector would never be allowed to treat its customers and investors like this.
The Association has also repeated a YouGov opinion poll which it undertook in 2004. The results show that the public’s perception of Government progress remains low, with around 40% of people believing that the Government is not delivering promised improvements to hospitals and over 50% believing that Government is not delivering on its roads programme. A full copy of the results of the survey can be downloaded by clicking here.
YouGov Poll Results for the Construction Products Association
A dedicated microsite can be accessed by clicking the link below. Copies of both the Executive Summary of the report and the full report itself can be downloaded from the site. The microsite also provides a range of other useful information connected with Government delivery of improvements to the UK's built environment and infrastructure. Relevant Parliamentary Questions are regularly uploaded to the site and copies of Government reports and announcements can also be accessed. The microsite aims to monitor the general debate surrounding the six key areas and provides updated lists of recent reports by other stakeholders and links to their websites.
Copies of the Executive Summary of the report can be downloaded by clicking here