Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted
Infrastructure pipeline is too short-term and inconsistent, hindering investor planning
Conclusion
We highlighted to NISTA that the infrastructure pipeline has been too short-term and lacked consistency, which has caused issues with future planning and made longer-term decision-making for investors difficult.12 Written evidence we received also referenced the lack of a central pipeline of infrastructure projects and investment opportunities in the UK, which has resulted in investors relying on “multiple and disparate sources” of information to identify upcoming projects (largely through private sector advisors).13 NISTA indicated that the real challenge with the pipeline is not so much working up the finance but developing “investable models”. NISTA also told us that their aim, therefore, is to develop an investable set of projects that will attract not just domestic capital, but international capital. This would help to drive down prices and achieve a better out-turn, in terms of the number of projects delivered and their value for money.14
Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation is implemented, having launched a new dynamic Infrastructure Pipeline via NISTA in July 2025, which will be updated every 6 months to provide greater certainty for industry and investors.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
1.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 1.2 The Committee’s recommendation was based on the Infrastructure and Projects Authority’s (IPA) 2024 National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline; since then the government has launched a new dynamic pipeline. The Infrastructure Pipeline, published by NISTA in July 2025, is a tool developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, with updates added every 6 months. The purpose of the Infrastructure Pipeline is to enable the infrastructure industry and investors to plan with greater confidence, therefore strengthening capacity and capability and speeding up infrastructure delivery. The July iteration of the Pipeline is a first step in its development, and as it further evolves, it will also demonstrate opportunities for private investment in UK infrastructure. NISTA, a Joint Unit of the Treasury and the Cabinet Office, will continue its comprehensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring the Infrastructure Pipeline is tailored to meet the needs of core audiences. 1.3 Plans for the Pipeline's development are outlined in more detail in the published Pipeline dashboard. They are further referenced in NISTA's letter to the Committee, sent alongside this Treasury Minute, which also summarises how the Infrastructure Pipeline will support the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy.