Today (Wednesday 30 October) the government has set out its autumn Budget. It contains a number of infrastructure-related announcements including changes to capital investment rules, funding to complete the HS2 link between Old Oak Common and Euston station, and additional support for fixing roads.

In response, Commission Chair Sir John Armitt said:

On changes to increase capital investment:

“We welcome the government’s plan to invest over £35billion in economic infrastructure in 2025-26. It is critical that this money is now spent wisely and supports infrastructure projects that will drive growth, decarbonise the economy and improve its resilience: the ten-year National Infrastructure Strategy due in spring, and the creation of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, will give government vital new tools with which to do this.”

On the HS2 connection to Euston:

“Linking Old Oak Common and Euston is fundamental to the viability of HS2 so we welcome funding for the tunnel connection, which should help secure the maximum economic benefit from the investment already made in the project. The question of how to boost connectivity and capacity beyond Birmingham remains to be answered, and the National Infrastructure Strategy should set out how government plans to address this long-term challenge.”

On the additional funds to fix potholes:

“An effective road network is vital for connecting people and places, but our roads are under pressure from usage and the impacts of climate change; this additional funding will be welcomed by drivers if it speeds up the prospect of smoother journeys and fewer delays. But it should be followed up by a pipeline of enhancements that target the underperforming parts of the road network which currently inhibit connectivity.’’

Notes

• The Commission’s second National Infrastructure Assessment said government’s priority for roads should be maintenance of the existing network through investing adequately in maintenance and renewal, including to ensure resilience to the impacts of climate change; in addition, it recommended government should make strategic enhancements to the roads network and set out a pipeline of future road projects
• The government confirmed plans to create the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) in a speech by the Chief Secretary on 10 October setting out the government’s vision for infrastructure. The new body will combine the work of the National Infrastructure Commission, on strategic infrastructure planning, with the work of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority on the delivery and assurance of major infrastructure projects. The new body is expected to be operational by Spring 2025.