- The research was carried out by consultancy RSM UK and trade organization Make UK
- Rail and road networks were rated most negatively by those surveyed
A survey shows that most British manufacturers believe the country’s infrastructure has deteriorated over the past decade.
Consultancy RSM UK and industry body Make UK found that 68 percent of businesses believe the quality of the UK’s national infrastructure has declined over the past decade, while 57 percent say it has gotten worse at a local level.
Rail and road networks were viewed most negatively by manufacturers, with a significant minority also saying the country’s broadband had become poorer.
Train problems: Britain’s rail and road networks were rated most negatively by British manufacturers in a survey that included their views on infrastructure
At the same time, most employers said the state of the country’s infrastructure was hindering access to necessary labor and skills, with more than a third agreeing that this is slowing the UK’s pace of decarbonisation and progress towards net zero.
Manufacturers want the government to support their investment plans by giving local governments and businesses more power to make improvements, especially in energy, roads and broadband.
Mike Thornton, national head of manufacturing at RSM UK, said it is vital that infrastructure investment is a core element of a long-term industrial strategy.
He added: ‘Only then will Britain’s business environment meet the needs of industry and workers and effectively connect people and places.’
The research comes just days after the National Infrastructure Commission warned that Britain would need to invest tens of billions more a year in infrastructure to tackle climate change and reduce regional inequality.
It called for an increase in the average amount spent annually from £55 billion over the past decade to £80 billion by the 2030s, with more than half of the increase coming from the private sector.
Massive improvements to public transport, water networks and energy systems are among the key proposals recommended by the public advisory body.
For around £3.2 billion a year until 2035, the government could improve energy efficiency and install heat pumps in almost all homes, with people on lower incomes getting free installation.
The body also suggests that £22 billion is spent on public transport, mainly in the Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds city regions.
Britain has historically spent a smaller share of its GDP on investment than its European neighbors, a factor often blamed for its sluggish productivity since the global financial crisis.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the northern section of the proposed HS2 high-speed line would be demolished.
He said the money saved from the measure would be spent on transport projects in the north and the Midlands.
Yet he faced significant opposition from some business leaders and politicians, who warned him and the government that this could hamper Britain’s ability to attract investment.
Verity Davidge, policy director at Make UK, said: ‘The recent announcement about HS2 without a Plan B was indicative of short-term thinking and giving up when the job is half done.
‘Across our road, rail, energy and digital networks, we need an infrastructure plan on a scale not seen since the Victorian era; otherwise the economy will be condemned to a life on the slow road.’