Effective logistics key to housebuilding programme and economic growth, says Logistics UK

Responding to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which was introduced to Parliament today (11 March), Logistics UK Head of Infrastructure and Planning Policy Jonathan Walker says the business group’s 21,000 members support the government’s intention to reform planning, providing logistics infrastructure exists to support new communities and all sectors of the economy:

“Nothing moves without logistics, and it is the foundation of any successful economic activity, whatever the industry. Planning reform that speeds up the development of nationally significant infrastructure is long overdue and will mean the logistics sector can contribute significantly to the government’s growth agenda and drive prosperity throughout the UK.

“However, our members will need to scrutinise the Bill in detail to ensure that greater housebuilding is complemented by reforms that enable suitable logistics development to support a growing economy.  The reality is that logistics infrastructure needs to be developed in conjunction with any significant housebuilding programmes so it can efficiently and sustainably service the resulting new communities, having delivered all the materials needed for new homes in the first instance.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk