ICE representation to HM Treasury on Spending Review 2025 Phase 2

The ICE’s representation to the 2025 Spending Review focused on the following key areas relating to infrastructure:

On infrastructure spending

Clear strategic direction, stable policymaking and long-term commitment to major infrastructure projects for the government to get better value for money and mobilise the private sector investment needed to close the UK’s infrastructure gap.

On infrastructure planning and prioritisation

The 10-year infrastructure strategy should set out a long-term vision, in line with the National Infrastructure Commission’s recommendations.

One that provides visibility for investors and the construction supply chain, guides subnational decision-makers and assures the public on the country’s infrastructure ambitions.

On decarbonisation

More focus is needed on public engagement and behavioural change to achieve net zero.

The public needs the right infrastructure in place before they can change their behaviour.

On climate adaptation and resilience

The Third National Adaptation Plan urgently needs updating.

The government should also undertake a national review of the economics of adaptation to ensure that climate resilience and adaptation are better valued in spending decisions.

On transport

The Integrated National Transport Strategy needs to be ‘vision-led’.

It needs to set out the government’s wider strategic objectives and the outcomes transport must deliver to help achieve them, to join up planning across different modes and levels of government.