ICE comment on the chancellor's speech on economic growth plans for the UK

In response to the Chancellor's speech on 29 January, the Institution of Civil Engineers director general, Dr Janet Young, said:

“In the speech, Chancellor Rachel Reeves shared some positive updates about how the government will support economic growth through infrastructure.

She outlined some clear objectives for the UK and announced that the Green Book, the government’s guidance on appraising projects, will be updated to better support decisions on public investment.

Investors and the construction supply chain need certainty so that they are confident that the UK is an attractive place to deliver infrastructure and updating the Green Book could help address regional imbalances in investment.

While more detail is needed on how the government will support growth and meet its net zero ambitions, delivering infrastructure and meeting the country’s climate objectives shouldn’t be seen as an either/or choice.

Planning and delivering the right infrastructure can go hand in hand with achieving the country’s net zero ambitions.

The ICE hopes to see an even more defined vision for the country in the forthcoming Planning & Infrastructure Bill and the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy.”

Notes to editors

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