EEF NW comment on Spending Review

David Ost, North West Region Director at EEF

Commenting on the Government Spending Review, David Ost, EEF North West Region Director, said: “These overall numbers come as no surprise and, given the government’s approach to this review, the settlement is as good as can be expected. Crucially, the government has prioritised spending in the areas that will deliver a greater growth dividend. Investing in science and innovation, skills and export promotion is critical to create a strong more balanced economy.

“However, the next Spending Review must give industry the certainty it needs to invest for the long-term. We need to move away from the repeated salami-slicing of the same departments time after time to a longer-term approach that puts all the options on the table. Government must take a hard look at the areas on which it should focus to create a modern, competitive economy.”

On infrastructure commitments, David Ost said: “The commitment to key infrastructure projects is vital, if long overdue. Investing in new energy capacity, new roads and faster rail links is critical to our competitiveness but we must also ensure our existing networks are fit for purpose.

“However, to date, the record so far on delivering major infrastructure projects is woeful. The challenge for government is to put its full its full force behind delivery and translate these plans into real commitments that are signed and sealed, with speedy procurement, and work starting in short order.”

Commenting on LEPs and the Single Pot, David Ost said: “Starting off with a small Single Pot is the right move. A phased approach gives LEPs the opportunity to demonstrate their value in important areas like transport before more taxpayers money is devolved.”

Commenting on innovation spending, David Ost said: “Additional funding for the Technology Strategy Board demonstrates the importance that government is now placing on supporting innovation as well as science. Resources for the developing Catapult centres are well targeted to help companies overcome key barriers, particularly access to facilities and expertise. If this is a feast for the TSB it must not be followed by famine or uncertainty in the next Review.”

Commenting on skills, David Ost said: “The government has taken the right path on skills by maintaining funding for apprenticeships and taking further steps to put employers, not providers, in control of skills funding.”