Rhion Jones comments on Copper Consulting’s quick-reaction paper.
It is really useful for specialist public engagement consultancies like Copper to draw attention to future investments in energy, transport and infrastructure as announced in the Budget. The public will need to be consulted on many of these. But the more one studies last week’s Budget the less does one find. The New Infrastructure Bank will have £12bn to spend. Sounds a lot until one realises it is 40% of the going rate for a single nuclear power plant. The Levelling up fund is £48bn. There is another £1bn for the new Towns Fund and of course, we are expecting a lot from the much-vaunted Freeports. £50m for new stations in the West Midlands may help and there is even more for the Trans-Pennine A66.
What we are forgetting is that in more normal times, these might have sounded impressive investments.
Many of them will involve significant public consultations.
45 towns spending on average £20m+ each will be a chance for many communities to give voice to their priorities.
But equally, they might have some other preferences.
The Green lobby is disappointed. It still wonders why rail fares will be rising whilst fuel duty for cars remains frozen.
And a green light for renewable energy is somewhat flickering.
Those who advocate citizens’ assemblies and other bottom-up methodologies may find that current dialogues on infrastructure may prompt a rather vigorous debate. Public support for prestige projects cannot be taken for granted.
So consultancies like Copper have an important role in facilitating excellent engagement with key stakeholders and local communities.
To read Copper Consultancy’s post-budget report “The Bounce Back Budget” click here.
