Civils contractors welcomed the Government's Budget commitment to publish an updated Infrastructure Pipeline and provide additional capital for the National Wealth Fund but suppliers have urged ministers to turn headline figures into funded, procurable schemes.

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) celebrated the £20.4bn announced in the Budget, providing additional capital for the National Wealth Fund and the British Business Bank.

The Treasury also confirmed that an updated Infrastructure Pipeline will be published before the end of the year.

However, CECA called for speedy commitments on procurement dates, routes to market, project-level workforce data, and project funding status.

CECA director of policy and public affairs, Ben Goodwin, said: 'For CECA members, the test of this Budget is how quickly its commitments become procurement opportunities and work on the ground.

'Faster planning decisions matter too, but the planning bodies behind them need the resources to turn reform into delivery. Greater powers for local leaders can help address barriers to growth, and the additional capacity funding for mayors is a step in the right direction.

'The priority now is to bring funded schemes to market and give industry a reliable programme of future work. That is how we turn investment commitments into jobs, growth and better infrastructure for businesses and communities across the UK.'

Janet Young, director general of the Institution of Civil Engineers also called for 'a clear plan for delivery'.

'The sector will be looking for greater detail in next year's Spending Review, and in the refresh of the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy. As climate risks continue to grow, a review of the economics of resilience, as recommended by the ICE, would help ensure investments delivers long-term value. It is also crucial that funding for maintaining and renewing the UK's ageing infrastructure is protected, she added.

'Tough choices are inevitable, but infrastructure investment should not be viewed solely as a cost. Well-targeted spending can strengthen resilience, improve productivity and support the economic growth the country needs.'

Most disappointed perhaps was David Giles, chair of the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), who said: 'The Chancellor's Budget speech today had little in terms of hope for local roads and was another lost opportunity to tackle the resilience issues that are all too evident to road users.

'The DfT reported last week that record funding produced record results with nearly 7,000 miles of road resurfacing taking place this year. While it is a step in the right direction, this only equates to improvements to 3% of the 204,000 miles of local roads in England and Wales.

'More still needs to be done – and quickly – if we are going to end the pothole patch and mend cycle that has been a fixture for far too long and resulted in a £18.622bn repair backlog.'

'We understand the challenges the Chancellor has, but our Budget submission to HM Treasury included a call for re-phasing the Government's £7.3bn allocation to 2030 to release more of the allocated capital funding sooner. This would have provided noticeable benefits for road users through improved road conditions as well as helping to drive the economy and save taxpayers money in the long run.'