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UCAS To Make Applying For Apprenticeships Easier

The government has announced that it will be making significant funding available for the UK’s railway services, with £401 million set aside to make journeys faster, greener and more convenient, as well as improving freight links and introducing new electric trains.

The Transpennine route upgrade will see an investment of £317 million, with the aim being to improve connectivity, reliability and punctuality for services between York, Leeds and Manchester. In addition, £69 million will go on improvements to increase freight capacity between the Midlands and the Port of Southampton.

And the first phase of the £1.5 billion Midland main line upgrade has already been completed, successfully delivering the launch of the first electric services for East Midlands railway.

The fleet has cut carbon emissions by 77 per cent between Corby and London St Pancras, while running on a just-finished track between Kettering and Corby, with passengers enjoying extra seats and additional late night and early morning services.

And £15 million will be used to build new stations at Marsh Barton in Exeter, and Thorpe Park and White Rose in Leeds, supporting retail growth, connecting communities, supporting greener travel choices and improving access to employment and leisure.

Rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “The scale of today’s investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering more punctual, greener and comfortable services right across the country.

“From the vital Transpennine and Midland Main Line upgrades, new stations giving communities in Yorkshire and the south-west rail connections for the first time, and a shot in the arm for freight operators, we’re building a brighter future for the railways.”

Transport minister Andrew Stephenson is also set to visit major works being carried out throughout Yorkshire along the Transpennine route to view electrification works that play an important part in the plans for achieving net zero by 2050.

A new public body – Great British Railways – has also just been announced, integrating railways and delivering passenger-focused travel, with reliable services and simpler, modern fares at the heart of its operations.

GBR will own the infrastructure, run and plan the network, collect fare revenue and set the majority of fares and timetables, providing new flexible season tickets and the introduction of a more convenient Pay As You Go contactless system on smartphones.

It is hoped that significant efficiencies will be delivered in the railways’ costs, reducing duplication and complexity, changing working practices and making it easier and cheaper to invest.

The government is now working closely with the sector to encourage people back to making rail journeys following the pandemic, including a new national flexi season ticket, which will be on sale this summer, potentially helping commuters save hundreds of pounds.

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Material Shortages Cause New Build Price Increases

Leading industry figures from the Federation of Master Builders and the Construction Products Association have warned the price hikes in building materials will make new build homes more expensive.

Today’s Conveyancer reports that the chief executives of the Builders Merchants Federation and the Construction Products Association, John Newcomb and Peter Caplehorn, say the availability of materials has sharply worsened following the relaxation of Covid restrictions on building work. 

There have been similar projections worldwide, with major economies such as China, the US and the EU surge following lockdowns.

Industry leaders say previously reported issues relating to timber, steel, pitched roofing, plastics and paints and coatings continue, and now growing areas of concern now include certain electronic components and bagged cement.

The warnings come with figures from the Office for National Statistics that project a rise of seven to eight per cent in material prices, with increases for certain materials, such as timber, expected to more than double during the year.

“New rules on hauliers have exacerbated the shortage of drivers in the UK, which is another contributing factor adding to delays and lead times not only in the construction industry but many other sectors as well,” they warn.

“The surge in demand means some SME builders are not able to purchase essential materials, like timber, cement and roof tiles, as readily off the shelves. This not only impacts their ability to complete projects, but also the cash flow of their business.”

The warning added that the unprecedented levels of demand in the Uk and globally is set to continue for the foreseeable future, meaning that forward planning and communication needs to be prioritised.

“Only by working positively together can we endeavour to provide customers with the products and solutions they require to complete projects in a timely manner.”

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