APM’s response to Chancellor’s Spring Statement

Association for Project Management (APM) has responded to the UK Government’s Spring Statement, in which the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, set out her plans for the UK economy.

In response, APM’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Andrew Baldwin, commented: “The Government clearly understands the world has changed and is adjusting spending priorities accordingly. The world’s increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous nature is something that has long been recognised by project professionals.

“We welcome the Government’s approach to digital transformation and the progress that can be made here. Digital change must modernise legacy systems but also include strategic leadership and governance as part of the transformation. That will take time and money.

“We are also encouraged by the investment in major projects announced today. The project profession already adds £186.8 billion of value to the UK economy each year, as well as social benefits beyond measure. We therefore want to see even greater commitment to project delivery: investment in major projects must include investment in Government departments. They must be able to attract and retain the best talent, and to train people and give them the tools to succeed. To do that, the Government must also invest in digital literacy and cross-department inter-operability systems, and refrain from arbitrary cuts to departments.

“At a time when the Government is investing heavily in major projects, creating the new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and thinking about a legacy, the capacity to deliver these projects must be strengthened.”