The government will publish a 10-year infrastructure strategy next spring alongside its multi-year spending review, a senior minister has announced.
Speaking at Skanska’s headquarters yesterday (October 10), chief secretary to the treasury Darren Jones said new long-term plans for infrastructure would be aligned with the government’s cross-departmental spending framework, offering stability for investors.
Not only will the government set out its approach to transport, energy and housing projects, the strategy will include social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.
“It will be long term, it will be joined up and it will be strategic – not directionless [but heralding] a decade of national renewal,” Jones said.
Asked whether the strategy would reflect a scaled-down ambition in the wake of a fresh delay to the Lower Thames Crossing scheme, Jones said the plans would contain both existing projects and new priorities that Labour identifies, informed by consultation.
His speech came ahead of the government’s international investment summit on 14 October.
Jones also confirmed that a new body combining the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) and Infrastructure and Projects Authority would be operational by next spring 2025.
First pledged in Labour’s general election manifesto, the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) would help the government “get a grip” on infrastructure delays, Jones said.
To support the transition, Sir John Armitt’s term as NIC chair is being extended by six months.
Jones said: “We all know that infrastructure is a key engine of growth, but that engine is in serious need of an MOT.”
Marie-Claude Hemming, director of operations at the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, said the creation of NISTA must “herald a step change” in how the UK plans and delivers infrastructure.
She said: “It is only by unleashing the full potential of the UK’s infrastructure sector to deliver, maintain and upgrade our vital transport and utility networks that we will be able to transition to the zero-carbon economy of the future and deliver economic growth.”
Introducing Jones, Skanska chief executive Katy Dowding said: “We’re really excited about the future of construction. I think we have a golden opportunity.
“As constructors and developers, we need to make sure that we’re offering value for money in delivering productivity to meet the opportunity. That’s our commitment.”
Jones had trailed the strategy announcement at an event in Westminster last month, while also encouraging private firms to get involved during the consultation process.
