National and local infrastructure features heavily in their general election manifestos, but with Labour and the Conservatives reluctant to increase borrowing or taxes, how will they be funded in a...
Progress towards eradicating regional inequalities has been “glacial”, driven by patchy policy initiatives and the absence of stable long-term funding, according to a leading think-tank.
Additional funding to maintain and improve the NHS estate would play an important role in improving performance and productivity and stop staff working around a huge backlog, researchers have said.
Daniella Barrow, senior director at Norse Consulting, believes many local authorities lack the resources necessary to make full use of levelling-up funding, and that partnership working holds the key.
“Substantial underinvestment” in an ageing NHS estate has worsened care backlogs and left healthcare services worse than other developed countries, experts have warned.
The UK Infrastructure Bank has partnered with public bodies in Scotland and Wales to accelerate the development of major transport projects – building on its advisory function for councils.
Rising construction and labour costs have caused “slippages” and budget gaps in projects linked to a £1.3bn investment deal in south Wales, senior council officers have said.
Delivering the Euston terminus of HS2 will cost almost double its budget despite changes to the scheme aimed at reducing costs, the National Audit Office has said.
