Senior members of CILT(UK) give their reactions to UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn budget.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled one of the most substantial budgets in over 30 years, detailing future plans that impact the logistics, transport, and supply chain sectors.
This budget features significant investments focused on enhancing connectivity and addressing the UK's pressing infrastructure needs.
In response to the Autumn Budget announcement, experts from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT(UK)) have shared their insights on its implications for the sector.
Lee White FCILT, Chair of CILT(UK)’s Bus & Coach Policy Group:
“Confirmation of the bus fare cap being retained but at £3 per journey is likely to mean that in urban areas many capped fares will be higher than operators / local authority day tickets.
“In rural areas, the benefits to users on longer journeys will remain significant hence why this funding commitment is broadly welcomed.
We welcome the allocation of £640m for local authority bus service funding in FY2025/26.
“Although we see no change announced in BSOG (fuel duty rebate) principles we welcome the commitment of £285m to this funding source.
We, however, have concern that fuel duties generally will remain unchanged thus perpetuating the artificially low cost of private motoring to continue.”
“In the spirit of change promoted by the government we were disappointed that the Chancellor did not offer the opportunity to move bus funding onto similar terms to major road and rail funding where multi-year settlements are the norm.”
Julian Worth FCILT, CILT(UK) Rail Freight Forum Chair shares his opinion on the announcement:
“Extending HS2 to Euston, whilst essential and welcome, is only half the story.
At least as important for the British economy is sorting out the mess left by the last Government at the interface between HS2 and the West Coast Main Line in Staffordshire.
“If nothing is done, by the end of this parliament the country's main economic artery will be clogged and facing a thrombosis.
At the very least, a new link needs to be built to avoid the severe pinch point at Colwich, near Stafford.”
“We look for this and a number of much smaller key freight schemes, which would deliver major economic and growth benefits, to be addressed in the Sending Review next Spring.”
Please get in touch if you are interested in conducting an interview with any of our experts here at CILT(UK).
The Budget Summary: What has been outlined for the sector?
Rail Transport Enhancements
Key elements of the budget include:
Road Network Improvements
The budget also addresses road infrastructure with:
Support for Public Transport
In a move to enhance public transport, the budget includes:
This in turn will have an impact on transport planning in areas where housing will be built.-item
Aviation Developments
In the aviation sector, the budget outlines changes to Air Passenger Duty (APD):
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) is the membership organisation for professionals leading supply chain operations for the movement of goods and people. Members of the Institute are involved in the management and design of infrastructure, systems, processes and information flows, and in the creation, management and continuous improvement of effective organisations. The work of our members adds value to people and society and directly impacts the environment, business profitability and economic growth. Visit www.ciltuk.org.uk.
Members of the Institute are involved in the management and design of infrastructure, systems, processes and information flows, and in the creation, management and continuous improvement of effective organisations.
The work of our members adds value to people and society and directly impacts the environment, business profitability and economic growth.
Visit www.ciltuk.org.uk.
