Civil Engineers support Yorkshire devolution in national infrastructure report

According to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Yorkshire and Humber, infrastructure improvements placed at the centre of the devolution agenda could have significant benefits for the region.

In its ‘State of the Nation: Devolution’ report, the engineering body backed Government efforts to rebalance the economy, and the focus on infrastructure as the driving force.

ICE also welcomed the creation of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, the progress made on a West Yorkshire authority, and Transport for the North, a new body dedicated to improving road and rail links between northern towns and cities.

As part of the report, ICE set out some improvements to current arrangements, which it said could help authorities deliver the maximum benefits of devolution to communities.

In a 10 point plan, ICE called for the bodies to be granted greater access to flexible financing streams to supplement central Government funding, enabling investment in infrastructure that can transform local economies, and the skills needed to deliver it.

ICE said an overarching infrastructure strategy based on need should be established for the North of England, so money is directed towards the appropriate projects.

ICE also recommended that all new devolution proposals should set out how they will improve environmental sustainability and quality of life, as well as drive growth.

Adrian Coy, ICE VP and ‘State of the Nation: Devolution’ Steering Group Chair, said: “The benefits of effective infrastructure in the Yorkshire and the Humber are well established, it can boost economic growth, create jobs, regenerate communities, connect people and places and drive environmental sustainability.

“It provides the foundation of modern society. It is right that infrastructure investment is the driving force behind Government’s plans to rebalance the economy, and we hope to see ongoing commitment to the devolution agenda during the EU exit negotiations, so momentum is not lost.

“Combined Authorities must now take the helm and deliver these benefits locally. This will be no mean feat, but with the right frameworks, investment and skills in place they can succeed.

“To ensure decisions on spending are strategic, an overarching regional infrastructure strategy should be developed, based on need. Transport for the North has provided greater focus for transport services and we should build on this success, establishing a strategy covering all networks, recognising their interdependent nature. The National Needs Assessment ICE is leading, which will feed into the National Infrastructure Commission, provides a workable model.

“We would also like to see more rounded devolution proposals. Rebalancing the economy should not only be thought of in financial terms. Enriching people’s lives is not just about increasing their income but also the quality of their living environments.”

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