This week, NIC chair John Armitt has called upon the Chancellor to use this autumn’s Spending Review to commit to “a once-in-a-generation transformation of the UK’s transport, energy and technology networks.”

Hannah Vickers,chief executive of the Association for Consultancy & Engineering (ACE) echoed his calls and commented: “The nation’s infrastructure system requires a long-term approach if we are to manage the increasing demands and challenges placed upon it. The ageing and growing population, rebalancing the economy across the UK and the recent warning from the Committee on Climate Change are all stark reminders of the importance of infrastructure and the Built Environment to society’s wellbeing and everyday lives.

“Dropping the investment below the 1.2% recommended by the NIC not only damages the contribution the UK’s construction industry makes to GDP but it hampers the ambitions of businesses in the wider economy who require a reliable and affordable built environment for their sustainable growth.

“The continued uncertainty around Brexit and the UK’s future relationship with Europe has damaged investor confidence and stalled private investment in the UK's housing, commercial developments and infrastructure. To mitigate this the Government needs to take decisive action to restore confidence through an ambitious National Infrastructure Strategy and clear pipeline of projects.”