Cable proposes infrastructure fund for retail investors

The Liberal Democrats have proposed creating a national infrastructure fund, open to institutional and retail investors, to replace Private Finance Initiatives (PFI).

It hopes such a fund could leverage public money with private financing, to improve British infrastructure while providing good returns for investors. Speaking at the Civilisation Congress 2009 today, Vince Cable set out proposals for the National Infrastructure Bank. Cable claims the UK has the worst record for infrastructure investment in the OECD, and says a properly managed scheme would create jobs, boost economic recovery and promote environmental sustainability. He says the Government's current preferred method of infrastructure funding, PFIs, is too reliant on bank finance. ...