Media reports today indicate that the government is to delay publication of its National Infrastructure Strategy, which was to be published alongside next week’s Budget.

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

“Naturally we are disappointed about the further delay in the government’s formal response to the National Infrastructure Assessment, which we published over 18 months ago.

“However, we are encouraged by the evident focus the government wishes to place on investing in the UK’s future infrastructure.

“Prioritising that investment within a long-term plan is key to success, and if a short delay leads to a better strategy that more comprehensively addresses our recommendations, it will be worth the wait.”

The National Infrastructure Strategy is expected to include the government’s formal response to the Commission’s National Infrastructure Assessment, published in July 2018. The Assessment looks at the United Kingdom’s future economic infrastructure needs up to 2050 and makes key recommendations for how to deliver new transport, low carbon energy and digital networks, how to recycle more and waste less, and how future infrastructure should be paid for.