Capital priorities
Yet the Scottish Government’s newly-published legislative programme reaffirms a commitment to deliver the new Forth Crossing by 2016 at a cost of £2bn. To be clear, I support this project – but not at the expense of other categories of capital spending which are much more badly needed in the current economic climate.
Meanwhile, I have a real concern that the “innovative models” for funding affordable housing, schools and hospitals currently being pursued are in reality a move towards delivering such projects “on the cheap”, with a detrimental impact on quality and sustainability.
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Hide AdPublic capital investment in high-quality housing, schools and hospitals must continue to be a critical plank of strategy to support recovery in the construction sector and the wider economy. Given the financial challenges, I hope the Scottish Government’s forthcoming spending review will include a root and branch reappraisal of spending priorities to ensure this remains a top priority.
Michael Levack
Chief executive, Scottish Building Federation