Infrastructure strategy sets 10-year roadmap

The Government’s new 10-year strategy aims to unlock stalled projects, attract private capital and reset how the UK delivers infrastructure at speed and scale. It sets a long-term trajectory for investment, offering consistency and confidence for developers, planners and the wider supply chain.

Chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves said: “The Strategy will rebuild people’s pride in their homes, while growing the economy, and putting more money in people’s pockets as we deliver our Plan for Change.”

As part of the £725bn strategy, £7.9bn has been allocated to upgrade and construct flood defences over the next decade, which is the largest flood programme in UK history. It will include a range of measures from high-performance flood barriers to nature-based solutions.

Environment secretary Steve Reed said: “Protecting citizens is the first duty of any Government. Yet we inherited crumbling flood defences in their worst condition on record – exposing thousands of homes.”

The Lower Thames Crossing has received an additional £590m in public funding, forming part of a £1bn programme to modernise critical road and tunnel infrastructure. This project is one of the UK’s most complex civil engineering schemes to date, and the funding will bring it one step closer to starting.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “This project is essential for improving the resilience of a key freight route and is critical to our long-term trade with Europe.”

The government has confirmed £14.2bn for Sizewell C, a new nuclear power station in Suffolk. The investment is a cornerstone of the energy transition strategy, intended to enhance energy security and reduce carbon intensity. It will also create 10,000 direct jobs, once the site is completed. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “This is the government’s clean energy mission in action- investing in lower bills and good jobs for energy security.”

The government has launched a £39bn Affordable Homes Programme alongside a 10-year rent settlement for the social housing sector. The initiative targets improved supply, tenant outcomes and long-term stability.

A government source said: “The government is investing in Britain’s renewal. We’re turning the tide against the unacceptable housing crisis in this country with the biggest boost to social and affordable housing investment in a generation, delivering on our plan for change commitment to get Britain building.”