Richard Whitehead, chief executive (Europe and India) at AECOM, has welcomed the Comprehensive Spending Review set out by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

“Having focused on removing planning hurdles and emboldening devolved authorities in its first 12 months in power, this long-term funding cements the government’s pledge to accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure and, in turn, unlock growth opportunities across the UK.

“The additional capital expenditure on infrastructure – including nationally significant schemes such as East West Rail – is welcome, along with the £15.6 billion for city region local transport projects. This should promote more balanced regional development and ensure strategic investments benefit all parts of the country, driving growth and innovation – particularly when combined with changes to the Treasury’s Green Book. The £14.2 billion earmarked for Sizewell C, alongside confirmation of the SMR programme, are important steps forward for the UK’s nuclear energy expansion. This, combined with the commitment to CCUS, will be a crucial enabler for the country’s transition to clean energy and long-term energy security.

“This Review provides greater long-term visibility on spending priorities than we have had for years. If realised, these commitments will deliver transformative change for the UK. We now await the 10-year infrastructure strategy next week to drive investment and provide further clarity. Crucially, we need details on the next generation of public-private partnerships to fund much-needed projects in sectors such as energy and defence, as part of a stable infrastructure pipeline. Delivering on the strategy is vital for the UK’s long-term economic growth and highlights the essential role of infrastructure in driving
the eight priority sectors of the industrial strategy.”