‘The MPA Agenda’ identifies the key strategic priorities to enable the mineral products industry to support and help deliver Government’s economic, environmental and social aims and aspirations.

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 are vital to the economic performance of the UK and will be in the engine room helping to drive recovery.

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.

Members are encouraged to support the MPA Agenda which clearly sets out those areas where MPA believes reciprocal Government support must be forthcoming.

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.

To download the full MPA Agenda, click here.

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