Supporting our industry is key to economic growth

Supporting our industry is key to economic growth

We note the comments from the Labour Party Leader today about the importance of Economic Growth. 

This follows recent comments from the Prime Minister about future growth for the Economy. In the run up to a general election, all parties will state their case and put their policies to the people. We make no comment on the shape or complexion of the next government, but we call on all parties to recognise the value of the road transport and haulage sector which can play a huge role in boosting growth and productivity throughout the country.

Across the UK, households, businesses, and the public sector rely heavily on our members and companies. We want to keep business and the UK supply-chain moving and performing at the highest possible levels. To that end, earlier this year, we set out our vision calling for more support for our sector; a sector which is amongst the most heavily regulated industries in the UK.

We have set out our key asks and recommendations aimed at driving the economy forward.

They include:

• Relieving the tax burden to support economic growth
• A Net Zero roadmap
• Roads investment
• Planning reform to secure more facilities and more secure parking
• Reforms to plug skills gaps
• We also called for a dedicated Minister for the logistics and road transport industry and repeated our calls for industry input at the early developmental stages of the policy making process.
• Our members want decision-makers to work alongside the industry closely.

Commenting, Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said:

“To unleash the full potential our industry can bring, it will take focused policies and sector engagement. Our industry is a key economic enabler, and it can drive growth with the right support from decision makers.

“There are many challenges ahead and we will work collaboratively on improving roads and infrastructure, skills gaps, planning rules, and on the decarbonisation journey.

“Irrespective of who sits in Government after the next election, our sector will have a fundamental part to play in shaping the economy in the years and decades to come. We will continue to raise the key issues our members and others face as cost pressures hit harder and we stand ready to work collaboratively to offer solutions to ease burdens and drive forward economic growth.”

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