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

The net zero realist

By Paul Marinko | 11 June 2026

Housing remains one of the greatest strains on council finances and the Government’s public promises tend toward the unrealistic, but one housing director in...

INFRASTRUCTURE

Unlocking the true power of culture

By Heather Jameson | 11 June 2026

Bradford’s year as City of Culture may be over, but it has left an imprint on the people and place. The MJ, Gatenby Sanderson and Bradford City Council broug...

INFRASTRUCTURE

Scottish councils funding falling short

By Paul Marinko | 11 June 2026

Funding for Scottish councils is failing to keep pace with rising costs and demand according to the Accounts Commission.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Lessons from Swansea: A collaborative approach to addressing poverty stigma

By Amanda Hill-Dixon | 11 June 2026

Amanda Hill-Dixon sets out evidence-informed actions for councils to reduce poverty stigma through universal services, dignified support, inclusive communica...

Popular articles by Dominic Browne