ICE representation to Autumn Statement 2023

This representation to HM Treasury on the 2023 Autumn Statement sets out the ICE’s views on what priorities should be considered in the statement.

It makes the following key points:

On infrastructure planning and prioritisation

The ICE would urge that the Autumn Statement commits to a review of the rail schemes for the North and Midlands (in partnership with local leaders) announced as part of Network North and previously in the Integrated Rail Plan.

This is to ensure that the strategic gap (i.e. the need to boost connectivity and capacity between major cities) that has been left by the cancellation of the northern leg of HS2 will be filled.

On decarbonisation

More focus is needed on public engagement and the role of behavioural change in reducing overall demand and mitigating the risk of over-relying on new infrastructure and technological pathways to net zero.

The government must outline its plans for public engagement and net zero.

Particularly, as the Climate Change Committee has warned the UK is off track to meet its 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions and the sixth carbon budget.

On climate adaptation and resilience

The UK government should undertake a national review of the economics of adaptation.

On transport

A national transport strategy for England should be developed to enable long-term planning and maximise the wider benefits of transport investment.