Press Release

    MPA sets out Five-Point Agenda for government action

    1 March 2010

    The Mineral Products Association has launched its Agenda which identifies the key strategic priorities to enable the industry to support and help deliver Government's economic, environmental and social aims and aspirations. The Mineral Products industry is the major material supplier to the construction and manufacturing industries which are so vital to the economic performance of the UK and the recovery.

    Nigel Jackson, Chief Executive of the MPA said "This is a positive agenda for our industry and Government. We are not presenting 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 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. 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 messages to political audiences before and after the election and ensuring that we reach constituencies throughout the country. The huge turnover of MPs that will take place at the general election 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."

    The 5 Agenda headlines are:

    1. Economic conditions that support investment
    A stable economy is now fundamental, as is a less penal 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.

    As an indigenous industry that underpins the nation's manufacturing and construction industries with £5 billion worth of materials annually and provides direct and indirect jobs for over 60,000 people, mineral products will be in the engine room helping to drive recovery. The MPA Agenda marks the conclusion of a highly successful first year for the new trade body and clearly sets out those areas where it believes reciprocal Government support must be forthcoming.

    A digital copy of the MPA agenda is attached with this release.