Title

INFRASTRUCTURE

Spending Review: Infrastructure gets pride of place

The chancellor Rishi Sunak used the 2020 Spending Review to launch a new strategy for UK infrastructure.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak used the Spending Review to launch a new strategy for UK infrastructure, supported by a new bank and 'levelling up' fund.

The Government's comprehensive national infrastructure strategy, released today, will be supported by £27bn of public funding next year, with the Spending Review 'delivering £100bn total investment in 2021/22 to support the recovery'.

Government officials said the strategy was based around three central objectives: economic recovery, levelling up and unleashing the potential of the Union, and meeting the UK's net zero emissions target by 2050.

Mr Sunak revealed that the new infrastructure bank would be headquartered in the north of England and would work with the private sector to finance major new investment projects across the UK, starting this spring.

He also announced a new levelling up fund, worth £4bn in England.

The bank will prioritise bids to drive growth and regeneration in places in need, those facing particular challenges and areas that have received less government investment in recent years.

Mr Sunak said: 'Projects must have real impact, must be delivered in this Parliament and they must command local support including from their member of parliament.

'This is about funding the infrastructure of everyday life, a new bypass, upgraded railway stations, less traffic, new libraries, museums and galleries, better high streets.'

The Spending Review also confirmed multi-year funding certainty for existing projects such as school and hospital rebuilding, and flagship transport schemes.

Treasury officials said they were targeting 'additional investment in areas which will improve the UK's competitiveness in the long-term, backing new investments in cutting-edge research and clean energy sources of the future'.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Reorganisation could break care services unless government gets reform right

By Cllr Matthew Hicks | 10 October 2025

New analysis raises serious concerns for the future sustainability, quality and cost of people-based services if excessive fragmentation into smaller council...

INFRASTRUCTURE

Delivery of housing can be turbo-charged

By Cllr John Merry | 09 October 2025

Cities and central government must work together to tackle the viability barriers to housing delivery, says Cllr John Merry.

INFRASTRUCTURE

175 years after their creation, public libraries are still vital

By Isobel Hunter | 09 October 2025

This year marks 175 years of the Public Libraries Act. Isobel Hunter says that while we celebrate the libraries of the past we must work together to secure t...

INFRASTRUCTURE

Looking beyond the CV

By Frazer Thouard | 09 October 2025

Frazer Thouard takes a look at why aptitude should shape senior leadership recruitment in local government.

Popular articles by Dominic Browne