MPA sets out five-point agenda for the new government and the mineral products industry

13 May 2010

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) welcomes the new Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and looks forward to working with the new Conservative Liberal Democrat coalition Government.

The five priorities for the new Government as set out in the MPA Agenda document are:

1. Economic conditions that support investment
A stable economy is now fundamental, as is a less onerous attitude to the industry's tax burden. Only if Government commits to and delivers long-term investment will MPA members, particularly those with international operations, have confidence to spend in the UK.

2. Better Government support for an essential industry
The industry needs more effective Government sponsorship and a coordinated approach from its departments based on heightened awareness. Operators will deliver sustainable built environment solutions in return for a more rigorous science-based evaluation of the credentials of competing materials.

3. A reasonable "licence to operate"
The UK can only enjoy the benefits of its mineral products if it has a sound licence to operate. That means an effective, simpler, more consistent and faster planning system based on realistic assessments of future demand.

4. Proportionate legislation and regulation
Proper regulation of industry is important but the mineral products sector is faced with an overwhelming and often conflicting volume. The cumulative burden is massive. New legislation must be fit for purpose and not unfairly "gold plated" when transposed from Brussels to the UK.

5. Recognition of progress
The UK mineral products industry is a world leader in the quality of its operations and best in Europe at recycling and resource efficiency. The industry is also a big contributor to overcoming the challenges of climate change. It needs recognition for its progress and for the essentiality of its products.

Nigel Jackson, Chief Executive of the MPA said "This is a positive agenda for the new Government and our industry. We are not presenting the new Government with a shopping list of demands, but setting out how we can contribute to improving our built environment and enhancing our natural environment. But to do this the relationship with the new Government is critical as is their response to a number of key issues. We are frustrated with the volume and quality of regulation; taxation and a planning system which is not fit for purpose. The new Government and industry need to work together to improve these areas. We both have responsibilities to make things work better."

"The MPA and our member companies will be taking our message to constituencies throughout the country. The huge turnover of MPs provides a great opportunity for the mineral products and construction industries to communicate the essential nature of our products and the importance of our industries to the economic recovery and wider policy delivery."