English Devolution – an opportunity to make a difference for our industry

This follows their manifesto pledge ahead of July’s General Election and the subsequent announcement in the King’s Speech.

A key focus is on creating ‘strategic authorities’ through local government reorganisation, and cutting red tape. Our industry will be looking on with interest at what this will mean in practical terms for local businesses and economies and it’s hot on the heels of the Government’s announcement last week on planning rules reform which we’re hopeful will speed up the major infrastructure our industry relies on including roads and driver facilities.

We’re pleased that freight and logistics are now specifically referenced in the latest National Planning Policy Framework however, we’re concerned that the Government hasn’t gone far enough to meet the future needs of our industry. These are conversations we’ll continue to have with MPs and ministers in the months ahead.

We’ve made it a priority to build stronger ties with local government which complements the work we do with national government. We’re increasingly working with Metro Mayors and Combined Authorities in England. In recent years, we have secured funding from the Metro Mayors including in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to support dozens of local people into new careers behind the wheel. A win-win all round…

With budgets and decision-making increasingly devolved on transport, infrastructure and skills, we have great opportunities to secure support on specific projects that can have tangible benefits for regional economies and the businesses who service them, including hauliers and coach operators. It should mean that new road schemes and driver facilities can get off the ground quicker – and help firms recruit and develop new local talent. The Government says this will help deliver economic growth.

We stand ready to support them on that pledge.

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