The article discusses the priorities in infrastructure development, revealing that large and lucrative contracts often dictate what projects get funded. The government favors grand initiatives, such as the Lower Thames Crossing, over essential community services like parks and libraries. Recent allocations show stark contrasts: while 590 million has been given to the Crossing, local amenities received only 350 million. The article argues that the overall costs of such projects are often underestimated, favoring corporate interests and leaving community needs unattended.
Both determinants favour large and spectacular schemes. Big corporations don't want to dabble in minor improvements: real money comes from prestige projects over which governments cannot afford to lose face.
The extra money for the Lower Thames Crossing buys less than a mile of road. It means that the total costs of the scheme, according to the government, have risen to 9.2bn, for 14 miles of road.
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