Government Announce National Infrastructure Strategy

Posted by Barbour ABI on 2nd December 2020 -

On Wednesday, the UK Government published their long-awaited National Infrastructure Strategy. This strategy outlines the government’s plans to develop the UK’s infrastructure networks. It’s three central objectives are economic recovery; levelling up and strengthening the Union; and meeting the UK’s net zero emissions target by 2050. By providing up to £27 billion, the government wants to deliver a radical improvement into the quality of our UK Infrastructure.

Barbour ABI is partner of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority in providing the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline. We have worked with the Government Department for many years, delivering the planned infrastructure projects through an interactive map.

With the announcement of the Government latest infrastructure strategy, we have complied a list of our key takeaways, which we can categorise into two main talking points: Levelling up the UK, and decarbonising the economy

Levelling Up The UK

To unite and level up the UK, the government aims to unleash the full potential of the Union, thriving regions, and cities across the country. To do this, the government are looking at delivering major investment across the UK, with a focus on areas that may have received less support in the past.

Community and Business Support

• £5 billion will be invested to support a nationwide gigabit broadband roll-out as well extending 4G mobile coverage to support 95% of the UK.
• The government have also announced a £4 billion cross-departmental Levelling Up Fund, investing in local infrastructure projects across England.

Investment into UK Cities

• £4.2 billion in support for the largest city regions outside of London with intra-city transport links.
• The freeports programme will bring jobs, investment and prosperity to the most deprived communities across the country.
• The Town Fund will invest in revitalising over 100 town centres and high streets across the UK.

Reconnecting the UK To Create A United Britain

• Delivering essential North-South connectivity by investing further into H2S, including transformational improvements in the Midlands and the North;
• Over £27 billion in investments towards strategic roads across the country
• Reviewing options to connect the four nations of the UK by improving transport.

Changing the Decision Process

• The UK Internal Market Bill will increase in the UK government’s ability to invest directly into projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Changing project appraisal process to support levelling up through the Green Book Review

Decarbonising The Economy And Adapting To Climate Change

Infrastructure investment is fundamental to delivering net zero emissions by 2050. By accelerating the deployment of existing technologies, as well as advancing new developments such as carbon capture and low-carbon hydrogen, the government aims to tackle climate change face on as well as create jobs to support the UK’s recovery from Covid-19.

• Significant investments into offshore wind and modern ports.
• £525 million will be provided for development into advanced nuclear technologies.
• £1 billion will be invested to support carbon capture and storage in four industrial clusters;
• Charging infrastructure is to receive £1.3 billion to encourage the mass adoption of electric vehicles.
• Creating an enduring regulatory environment promoting energy efficiency;
• Supporting the roll out of existing technologies such as heat pumps.
• £5.2 billion is to be invested by 2027 in order to better protect 336,000 properties against flooding and coastal erosion as a result of climate change.