Lib Dems commit to £100 billion package of additional infrastructure investment
The Liberal Democrats will commit to a responsible and realistic £100 billion package of additional infrastructure investment to help boost the economy and ensure that our communities have the roads and schools that they need.
The Liberal Democrat priorities for the country include:
- A programme of installing hyperfast, fibre-optic broadband across the UK.
- Capital investment in schools and hospitals to support capacity increases and modernisation.
- Significant investment in road and rail infrastructure.
- Additional funding to bring more private investment into renewable energy.
- £5 billion of initial capital for a new British Housing and Infrastructure Development Bank, using public money to attract private investment for these priorities.
On housing, the Liberal Democrats would introduce a legal requirement for smaller housing developments to include affordable homes, make it easier for local authorities and housing associations to borrow money and set up a new government-backed Housing and Infrastructure Development Bank.
The party would allow local authorities to hike up council tax on empty homes by up to 200%, including second homes. Local authorities could also choose to impose penalties on developers who leave plots of land empty for over 3 years, to tackle so-called land-banking.
Commenting, Parliamentary Candidate for Rugby & Bulkington Jerry Roodhouse, said:
"A long-term stable economy requires more than just discipline over spending. It requires us to invest in people, innovation and infrastructure in order to give our economy the opportunity to remain competitive for the future. The Tory Government has to get real and fund the infrastructure we need in Rugby and across the country. The Liberal Democrats package of £100 billion of additional infrastructure is responsible and realistic."
Liberal Democrats Manifesto Economy and Business section -