With the Autumn Statement announced earlier today, Finning News was able to catch up with Rob Oliver, chief executive, of the CEA (Construction Equipment Association), who gave us his insights into key announcements.
To read the whole spending review for free and by sector, visit the Construction News report.
On the increase in investment in housing and infrastructure, that will see an extra £2bn invested in housing, Rob said: “The announcements on infrastructure spending and boosts to housing starts are welcome – but with the usual “but” i.e. will they be translated into visible action and sustained construction activity”.
On the Apprenticeship levy of 0.5% of pay bills, Rob said: “The confirmation that the apprenticeship levy or payroll tax will affect companies with a turnover above £3 million will affect most CEA members from 2017. Our role will be to help ensure that there are sufficient relevant apprenticeship training opportunities for our sector, so that companies can turn this tax into a dividend.”
On the announcements regarding energy intensive industries and renewables, Rob added:“The steel crisis has underlined the importance of helping those industries that are energy intensive. Exempting such sectors from the costs of renewables is a good sign for UK manufacturers and provides some certainty going forward”.
To view the speech in full and content by sector you can visit the Construction News website for free using this link http://goo.gl/dmZH6N
For more information from the CEA visit www.thecea.org.uk
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