Institution responds to UK Summer Budget

The Institution's Dr Helen Meese says Government needs to go much further if it wants to secure the country’s skills, economy and NHS.

Dr Helen Meese, Head of Engineering in Society at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to today’s UK Summer Budget:

“There are some welcome proposals in this Budget, but Government needs to go much further if it wants to secure the country’s skills, economy and NHS.

“The introduction of the revised Vehicles Excise Duty will help secure a sustainable method to fund the UK’s road network, the increase in the Annual Investment Allowance is a welcome legislation for SMEs and plans to increase the number of apprenticeships by 3 million via a levy to large companies could also help boost skills.

“However there is a need for Government to show clearly how it will ensure that these apprenticeships will meet the high standards needed in engineering. The Government should also look at ways companies can use this apprenticeship levy to support their supply chain and SMEs.

“The UK’s skills shortage is one of the most critical issues facing the country. Without engineers we have no hope of making the large infrastructure projects needed in the energy, transport and health sectors a reality.

“The Chancellor was keen to stress that the Government’s biggest priority is the NHS and it is high time greater priority is placed on the role biomedical engineers and the equipment they design, create and maintain play in hospitals.

“It is vital that engineers are at the heart of the NHS’ planning, procurement, use, calibration and maintenance of high value equipment. We urgently need a Chief Biomedical Engineer in every NHS acute trust so that properly informed choices on these issues can be made in the best interests of patients and taxpayers.”