Scotland has higher infrastructure output than anywhere else in the UK

● Data shows Scotland top of the table over the past 20 years, beating London

Infrastructure output per person is higher in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK, according to new research from Scape Group.

Public sector procurement specialist Scape released the study reporting on the UK’S construction output on infrastructure, which it defines as the value of construction activity carried out on infrastructure projects.

The report cites the figure as a key measure of gross domestic product (GDP) and a leading indicator of the value of work being undertaken by construction companies.

Scotland has consistently experienced high levels of construction output on infrastructure in recent decades, with a total of £6,679 per person between 1997 and 2017.

This was the highest output of anywhere in the UK, with London in second place (£6,160 per person) as the capital appeared to experience a lull after an infrastructure spike leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

Wales was ranked in third position with an output of £5,176 per person.

In the past three years the north of England has seen increasing output, with results showing output per person as £1,156 in north-east England and £901 in the north-west, with London in third at £864.

The report analysed data from the Office of National Statistics and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, adjusting prices to allow for inflation. It also made recommendations to encourage more efficient delivery of UK infrastructure, which included promoting devolution.

Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “To encourage the increased delivery of infrastructure in areas where output has been low in recent years we need to continue to drive forward the devolution agenda.

“We need to encourage local authorities to work together to deliver infrastructure that meets their common ambitions and aspirations.”

Victoria Brambini, managing partner of Scape Procure, said: “It is vital that the industry and politicians recognise that infrastructure projects do not operate in silos.

“The positive impact for wider society during the planning, delivery and end-use should not be underestimated.

“Infrastructure projects are a catalyst for social value, directly and indirectly creating opportunities for the local community.

“Employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities are essential, especially as we seek to address the industry’s skill shortage now and beyond Brexit.”