The government has unveiled plans to invest £725bn over the next decade in improvements to the UK’s infrastructure, including energy, transport, water and digital connectivity.
Chief treasury secretary Darren Jones said the plan was needed to counteract “years of erratic decisions” from the previous government that has left the UK’s productivity falling behind countries such as France, Germany and the US.
The package aims to ensure that taxpayer funds spent on infrastructure continue to rise “at least in line with inflation” and includes some previously announced policies such as the introduction of more nuclear energy in the form of small modular reactors and funding to support the upcoming Lower Thames Crossing.
The primary focus of the announcement was on building up to 35 new hospitals, as well as boosts to education and justice, but most infrastructure areas were included in some shape or form, even if some were policies that have been previously announced.
Water companies will be...