How important to the UK is the European Investment Bank?
On Wednesday 17 October 2018 the House of Lords EU Financial Affairs Sub-Committee will hear evidence on the European Investment Bank's (EIB) role in different industries and what the Brexit-related challenges and opportunities are.
At 10am the Committee will hear from:
- Pete Clutton-Brock, Policy Advisor, E3G
- Alex Conway, Assistant Director, Brexit and European Programmes, Greater London Authority
- Piers Williamson, Chief Executive, The Housing Finance Corporation
- Philip Harding, Director of Finance and Business Affairs, University College London.
Questions they are likely to face at 10am include:
- The EIB provides cheaper financing than many commercial lenders, so how much would any loss or reduction of EIB funding increase the cost of capital for new projects?
- How important is the EIB's appetite for longer-term projects? Why is there a lack of appetite for these in the private sector?
- Should the UK Government try to maintain access to EIB funding post Brexit?
- What role could current UK schemes play in replacing EIB funding, such as the UK Guarantees Schemes for infrastructure or the Affordable Housing Guarantee Scheme?
- Should the UK seek to establish its own national financing institution?
- How important was the Green Investment Bank (GIB) in supporting investment in green infrastructure, such as offshore wind? What impact has its privatisation had on this financing?
- What challenges could the Government face in establishing a UK development bank? Could it be up-and-running by January 2021
This evidence session will take place from 10am on Wednesday 17 October 2018 in Committee Room 4A of the House of Lords.
