How can something be very big news, but at the same time, not much news at all? Last week, the Chancellor announced the Government’s spending plans up until 2030. The sums involved are vast – total departmental spending is over £648bn this year, going up to £717bn in 28/29. Nearly £100bn was also allocated for transport upgrades, affordable housing, nuclear energy, and science and technology research.

Investment in these areas is a good thing, and will potentially bring business for UKWA members who serve those sectors. Joshua Holland writes in more detail about the transport investments later in this briefing.

Context is important, however.

The actual increase in day-to-day spending by government departments only averages 1.2% from this year onwards, and some Whitehall departments are getting real terms cuts. Regrettably, one of the casualties was Department for Transport funding for Generation Logistics – one of the only (small) pots of money provided to help recruitment in our sector.

Overall, the Spending Review was a missed opportunity for the logistics and warehousing sector – you can read why in our CEO’s full statement here.

But this is not the end of the story. UKWA is still working hard on your priorities, and your voice as members still matters. Ed writes below on how members are helping to shape the Government’s new Business Growth Service, and Karan asks for input on T-Levels, which we are pushing government to expand to cover logistics. Joshua also explores what the Chancellor’s recent investment in transport infrastructure could mean for supply chains and warehousing.

Finally, we’re always looking for insight and feedback on pressing issues for members – you can drop me line at 
edwin.morgan@ukwa.org.uk.

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