The soaring maintenance backlog which has left our schools, colleges, hospitals and courts in a state of disrepair will be turned around as part of the government’s landmark 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy.
The Strategy sets out a long-term plan for how the government will invest in infrastructure and ensure that funding is spent effectively and efficiently, marking a new approach to how projects are planned and delivered.
This government is committed to doing things differently to deliver infrastructure and fix the failures of the past, having accepted all of the James Stewart Review’s recommendations on HS2. The Strategy provides the certainty and stability needed to attract investment, boosting British supply chains and jobs, and takes a joined-up view to improve planning and delivery across all types of infrastructure.
It will also encourage inward investment by providing a long-term vision that gives investors the confidence and certainty they need to truly commit funding to projects, creating job opportunities and boosting living standards for people across the country, delivering on the Plan for Change.
These plans are backed by at least £725 billion of government funding over the coming decade, from which at least £9 billion will be allocated in 2025-26 to address the critical maintenance needs of health, education and justice estates, rising to over £10 billion per year by 2034-35.
This will increase access to quality, modern public services, following years of underinvestment, and deliver significant real-world benefits for patients, students, staff, and communities.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said: “Infrastructure is crucial to unlocking growth across the country, but for too long investment has been squeezed. Crumbling public buildings are a sign of the decay that has seeped into our everyday lives because of a total failure to plan and invest.
“We’re not just fixing buildings – we’re enhancing public services, improving lives and creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth in communities throughout the UK.
“This will deliver the decade of national renewal we promised Britain, and fulfil our Plan for Change goals to kickstart economic growth, and build an NHS fit for the future.”
Henry Tufnell MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Project Delivery, said: “Unlocking growth requires strong foundations, built through infrastructure that improves people’s lives in communities across every corner of the UK. So, I welcome this landmark 10-year infrastructure strategy, and its focus on project delivery - ensuring that vital national infrastructure projects are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively.
“Our constituents rightly expect this plan to deliver secure local jobs, skills, and opportunities. That is what this strategy is centred upon. This transformation will provide the infrastructure that communities across the country need to thrive, whilst also creating good, well-paid jobs in the process.
A long-term approach through new initiatives like NISTA and reviews of the Green Book will play a vital role in this process. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this strategy will deliver.”
The long-term strategy brings together improvements for both economic infrastructure, including transport, energy and digital, and housing and social infrastructure, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki said: “If we want to build places that are not only fit for now, but also for the future, taking a strategic approach to infrastructure delivery is vital.
“Neglecting to ensure that developments are well-connected, with access to social and digital infrastructure, amenities, and green spaces can have adverse effects on people’s lives.
“Conversely, we know that investing in well-planned places can bring multiple benefits that make lasting contributions to communities, including improved health outcomes and economic growth. So today’s funding commitments, and the focus on place-based approaches, are very welcome.
“Architects are vital to ensuring that these projects – from schools and healthcare facilities to train stations – are high-quality, energy efficient and well-designed. We are ready to help the Government deliver on its growth ambitions.”
