Website Content

Jump to footer

Infrastructure report claims £30billion possible 'ecology' savings

Animal welfare possibly in danger here (including badgers) - as part of Infrastructure Cost Review.

Article below from DAILY MAIL - 22 December - points out that the report by Infrastructure UK (commissioned by the Treasury) highlights savings that could be made if Network Rail and other UK firms stopped taking into account preservation of wildlife in their building projects.

From HM Treasury website:

Infrastructure cost review

The Government published on 21 December 2010 the report of an investigation into how to reduce the costs of delivery of civil engineering works for major infrastructure projects.

The report identifies a number of drivers for the higher cost of construction in the UK compared to other EU countries and supports the view that higher costs for UK infrastructure are mainly generated in the early project formulation and pre-construction phases. Efficiency improvements could lower the costs of delivery and realise potential benefits of £2-3 billion per annum. A number of specific areas where the Government is considering taking action to deliver these benefits have been identified. A prioritised work programme for implementation will be finalised and announced around the time of Budget 2011.

Press release: Three billion a year could be saved from costs of infrastructure says report

Infrastructure cost review - main report (PDF 525KB)

Page 12:
2.10 Network Rail estimate that they spend well in excess of £10 million per annum on the preservation of protected species including newts, badgers and bats. In a further example, work on part of a £53 million rail bridge project is to be delayed until the autumn after the discovery of a colony of 11 great-crested newts.

Infrastructure cost review - technical report: providing detailed analysis and technical appendices supporting the findings set out in the main report (PDF 1.7MB)

Infrastructure cost review: cost questionnaire used in fieldwork (PDF 697KB)

Infrastructure cost review: non-cost questionnaire used in fieldwork (PDF 581KB)

Contact the review team
You can contact the IUK cost review team via email at infrastructurecost@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk.

 

 

DAILY MAIL
Treasury report claims Britain could save up to £30billion
22 December 2010 by RUTH SUNDERLAND

Britain could save £30billion in a decade on transport, energy and water projects, according to a treasury report.

The study, carried out by Infrastructure UK, a division of the treasury chaired by former Rio Tinto supremo Paul Skinner, said costs are significantly higher here than abroad and could be reduced by at least 15 per cent.

It turned a spotlight on the fact UK firms spend more on ecology and the environment than European countries.

Helping hand: Network Rail spent £10million to help protect animals

Helping hand: Network Rail spent £10million to help protect animals

Network Rail spends £10m on the preservation of bats and badgers and also delayed a £53m rail bridge after the discovery of a colony of 11 great-crested newts.

The cost of the first phase of the Channel Tunnel rail link was almost 25 per cent higher than equivalent schemes on the Continent and UK road projects were 10 per cent more expensive per kilometre than in the Netherlands.

Lord (James) Sassoon, commercial secretary to the treasury, said the savings will 'enable taxpayers and utility bill payers to get more for less'.

The report found costs were driven up by a number of factors, including muddled decision-making and lack of direction, particularly in the public sector, with projects being started before the design was complete.

The report noted that the UK construction market is smaller than in other major European countries, with lower levels of investment and heavier use of sub-contractors.

It suggests a number of measures including greater transparency by the government so that companies can plan their recruitment and training.

Ian Tyler, chief executive of construction company Balfour Beatty, said: 'there is now a real opportunity for government and industry leaders to work together and find ways to reduce costs and stimulate economic growth.'

Past News

brianmay.com
Bookmark and Share