Build Scotland Construction Directory
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Share this page
Construction News
01/12/2015

Council Pensions Should Fund Infrastructure Projects - Committee

Construction News Image
Council pension funds should invest more capital in local projects such as 'affordable' housing, a committee of MSP's has recommended.

It was determined that local authorities 'must maximise' the opportunities presented by City Deals during a meeting of the Local Government and Regeneration Committee on 30 November.

The MSP's stated there is 'untapped potential' for Pension Funds to support communities and generate income.

However, the report said a lack of expertise in infrastructure investment means too few Pension Funds are grasping the opportunity to invest to achieve local social or economic impact.

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

Committee Convener Kevin Stewart MSP said: "It has been proven time and again that investment in infrastructure is needed to grow a successful economy. All communities across Scotland must have the chance to benefit from this success and the opportunity to grow.

"Whilst there are some risks associated with investing in infrastructure, these can be reconciled given the long-term nature of these investments together with their positive social and economic impact.

"By working collaboratively Pension Funds could maximise their returns, share expertise and reduce investment costs.  The returns should also be measured in terms of growth to communities."

In addition, the committee urged councils to maximise the opportunities presented by City Deals to improve local infrastructure.

Mr Stewart added: "On our visit to Manchester the drive, vision and enthusiasm that is vital for City Deals to succeed was apparent.

"City Deals offer unique opportunities to invest in strategic infrastructure projects and we look forward to seeing measurable benefits emerge for communities and the wider surrounding areas.

"However there needs to be careful governance to ensure plans flourish and other areas benefit from good practice."

(LM/CD)

Latest Construction News

15/11/2024

A major milestone has been reached in the UK's transition to a greener energy future. Ofgem has approved the Eastern Green Link 1 project, a £2.5 billion investment that will see the installation of a 196km subsea electricity cable between Scotland and England. The project, a joint venture between ...
15/11/2024

Falkirk Council has secured a £100 million Growth Deal that is expected to create 1,660 jobs and generate £628 million in economic benefits for the area. The Deal, signed by the UK and Scottish Governments, will fund 11 projects, including: • A Carbon Dioxide Utilisation Centre • A Bioeconomy ...
15/11/2024

The Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) has raised concerns that the measures announced in the Autumn Budget could lead to the demise of the plant hire industry in Scotland. The association argues that the increased tax burden and other economic pressures will have a significant negative ...
15/11/2024

Maxi Construction has been awarded a £1.6 million contract by The City of Edinburgh Council to replace the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) roof at Pentland Primary School. The phased project will involve the removal of existing roof coverings and ceilings, the replacement of RAAC ...
15/11/2024

Clark Contracts has been awarded a contract to retrofit Scotland's National Retrofit Centre at BE-ST's Innovation Campus. The project aims to transform the building into a living laboratory, showcasing best practices in non-domestic retrofit.  The ambitious project will involve a range of ...
15/11/2024

The Scottish Government has announced plans to bypass the villages of Springholm and Crocketford on the A75, a key route linking Scotland to Ireland. Jacobs UK Ltd has been awarded a contract to undertake initial design and assessment work for the bypass. The project is funded by the UK ...
15/11/2024

Dundee City Council has secured a £693,383 grant from the Scottish Government's Recycling Improvement Fund to upgrade its recycling facilities at Baldovie and Riverside. The funding will be used to purchase new waste management equipment, such as roll packers and compactors, to improve efficiency ...
15/11/2024

Homes for Good and Glasgow Credit Union have formed a partnership to address housing inequality in Glasgow and neighbouring areas. Glasgow Credit Union has provided a £2.4 million loan to Homes for Good, which will be used to purchase up to 35 homes for low-income individuals and families. The ...
15/11/2024

The historic Troon station has reopened following a £5m restoration project. The station was extensively damaged by a fire in 2021. Network Rail, in partnership with AmcoGiffen and CPMS, undertook the rebuild, which included the restoration of the station's iconic façade while incorporating modern ...
15/11/2024

BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking emergency works on the A828 between Ledaig and Benderloch to address a safety concern related to a deteriorating rock face. Recent monitoring has identified a fractured rock mass 60 metres above the road, requiring urgent attention. To ...
RBT Underfloor LimitedMorris & Spottiswood LtdBairds Windows LtdP. McCann Landscaping & DrivewaysIMS Heat PumpsClaymore Training LimitedRural House LtdJames Smith Fencing LtdPower DoorsThe Human Touch Scaffolding Co Ltd
Terms and Conditions
2024/11/16 06:46:11