The Chancellor of the Exchequer has set out the government’s spending plans in the Budget.

In response, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission Sir John Armitt said:

“The government’s level of ambition is welcome, and we look forward to seeing how the National Infrastructure Strategy will build on this in addressing the UK’s long term needs.

“We are particularly encouraged by today’s announcements on five year funding settlements for city leaders to invest in local transport improvements, and by the additional investment in electric vehicle charging points, both of which are in line with our National Infrastructure Assessment recommendations.

“We also welcome the additional funding for boosting flood protection, though we have repeatedly argued for this to be complemented by the introduction of a national flood resilience standard.

“These new commitments, among others, are important ingredients, and we look forward to seeing the whole recipe in the Strategy later this spring.”

The Commission’s National Infrastructure Assessment – published in 2018 – considered the UK’s future economic infrastructure needs up to 2050 and made a series of recommendations on new transport, low carbon energy, digital connectivity, reducing waste, and how future infrastructure should be paid for.

The Budget documentation confirms that the government’s delayed National Infrastructure Strategy, which will include its official response to the Assessment recommendations, will be published “later in the spring”.