The 10 year Infrastructure Strategy – What’s in it for tech?
Yesterday, 19 June 2025, the government published its 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy. This strategy is designed to set the government’s approach to infrastructure delivery over the next decade and set out £725 billion in investment over the next ten years.
While the government’s messaging focused on ‘social infrastructure’ in health, justice and education, as well as housing, there were notable announcements for tech. Below, we set out what was in the Infrastructure Strategy for tech, including those parts that techUK called for in our paper on the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy back in February 2025.
What was in the Strategy?
The Infrastructure Strategy is composed of six chapters, as set out below:
Chapter 1: A new approach to infrastructure to drive growth 1
Chapter 2: Encouraging private investment
Chapter 3: Unlocking growth across regions
Chapter 4: Becoming a clean energy superpower
Chapter 5: Delivering high quality social infrastructure
Chapter 6: Improving the environment
Many of the announcements in the Strategy were confirmations of plans already announced in the Spending Review and beforehand, including AI Growth Zones, an above-inflation rise in government support for research and development (R&D) and up to £750 million for a new supercomputer at Edinburgh University. You can find a full list of Spending Review announcements and what they mean for tech on our website.
Major new announcements include:
- Digital First: The government will take a ‘digital first’ approach to infrastructure, ensuring that digital infrastructure is embedded from the very beginning of the development process for infrastructure projects. The government also cited the national digital twin programme as a case study, which techUK outlined as a significant benefit of digitisation in our infrastructure paper.
- As part of the digital first tilt, the government cited examples of how this is being introduced into current social infrastructure projects. Including through:
Up to £10 billion in NHS technology and transformation by 2028-29 to deliver 2% year on year productivity, an almost 50% increase in spend since 2025-26.
In new digital and data services for prisons and probation, alongside AI and automation pilots to enhance productivity and to replace outdated prison and court digital infrastructure.
In continuing to improve digital infrastructure in schools over the next four years, building on the existing success of the Connect the Classroom programme to improve connectivity, to narrow the digital divide, and enable schools to harness the opportunities of technology, including AI
- Telecoms: The Strategy also explicitly recognised the role of telecoms in providing connectivity essential to life, leisure and economic growth, and will review the telecoms needs of other infrastructure sectors (energy, water and transport) as part of its commitment to digital first infrastructure planning. techUK called for both of these in our paper on the Strategy.
- Infrastructure Pipeline: The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) will run the Infrastructure Pipeline, which will begin as a list of government-funded infrastructure and construction projects and programmes being progressed and planned over a ten-year period, giving information about each investment with details of its schedule, status and anticipated spend. This is slated to be launched in July 2025
- Spatial Strategies: These are parts of a move to ‘spatial strategies’ that will look to plan both commercial and social infrastructure needs within specific geographic areas, in order to ensure the infrastructure needed to support private commerce, public services and houses is constructed. The government will use this approach when setting out the requirements for AI Growth Zones.
- Continued support for Building Digital UK (BDUK): the Strategy has recommitted the government to a completion of Project Gigabit by 2032 and that regulation promotes innovation and the growth of alternative technologies, such as satellite and fixed wireless access, to reach Very Hard to Access areas. techUK recommended this diversity in technologies for connectivity in our infrastructure paper.
Other important announcements include:
Telecoms
A commitment to implementing the remaining provisions of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, which techUK supported in passing.
The government pledged to conduct a review of the mobile market, which techUK has called for.
The government has also pledged to use its purchasing power, through public sector procurement, to show leadership on the take up of new services, including innovative 5G use cases in the public sector. This is something techUK has called for in our Telecoms Action Plan.
As in the Spending Review, the government has pledged to continue existing commitments on Project Gigabit, reaching 99% coverage by 2032, and the Shared Rural Network, with a focus on working with industry to target high-impact areas and coverage of premises and infrastructure.
The government will publish an updated statement of strategic priorities for telecoms to set out the government’s priorities for Ofcom’s regulation of telecoms and spectrum over the current Parliament.
There is a commitment to bring forward a more flexible permitting system for street works across England and consult on proposals to ease gigabit deployment for leaseholders in multi-dwelling units.
There is also a commitment to build a connectivity timeline for businesses and CNI to support the planning of digital infrastructure upgrades.
The government have pledged to work on the digital phone switchover with Ofcom and industry to ease the transition.
There is also a pledge to publish a call for evidence on changes to planning laws that could enable faster rollout of fixed and mobile coverage.
£41 million is also being provided to introduce low-earth-orbit satellite connectivity on all mainline trains, significantly improving both the availability and internet data connection speeds for Wi-Fi connected passengers.
Planning reform
The reforms below link to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill currently before Parliament (more on that in this techUK insight)
The government will remove the statutory requirement to consult as part of the pre-application stage for NSIP applications.
The government has enabled key commercial infrastructure, including gigafactories, laboratories and data centres to opt into the NSIP regime (as announced last year). The government will also direct projects out of the NSIP regime if appropriate
The number of Judicial Review attempts against a Development Consent Order will be reduced for meritless cases from three to one. The government will work with the judiciary to introduce target timescales to ensure legitimate legal challenges are heard promptly.
Relevant National Policy Statements (NPSs) for major infrastructure sectors will be kept up to date to support timely decisions on Development Consent Order (DCO) applications.
The government is also introducing a set of national policies for decision making to provide greater consistency in national policy to inform planning decisions.
The Office for Value for Money has also set out a bespoke approach to megaprojects such as HS2, Dreadnought submarines and Sizewell C.
While not specific to tech, the government have announced they will look to re-introduce a changed model of Public Private Partnerships where value for money can be fully displayed. The government has also made the case for public Financial Transactions, backed by a change to debt calculation that sees government assets recognised as assets and not liabilities, is claimed to release large amounts of government capital to underpin private projects (though there are few details as to how this will be deployed except through the National Wealth Fund, British Business Bank and the British Housing Bank)
Decarbonisation and the environment
On energy grids, government has recommitted to energy targets of 43-50 GW offshore wind, 27-29 GW onshore wind and 45-47 GW of solar by 2030. This will be supported by nuclear power commitments (SMRs and Sizewell C).
There is a commitment to a Clean Flexibility Roadmap published this year by DESNZ, Ofgem and NESO.
Reform to planning will involve £500m to streamline the environmental and nature assessments. This will include reforms around the Nature Restoration Fund.
There is a commitment to invest in nature-based solutions and ‘green infrastructure’ funded through the £7.9bn investment programme.
The Strategy outlines that the Corry Review recommends how environmental regulation can be improved by setting clearer outcomes for regulators.
The government will also permit full cost recovery for NSI-related services to planning bodies and will work to introduce reforms through the Infrastructure Bill to allow Local Planning Authorities to set their own fees.
Resilience
Climate resilience (alongside other risks) are mentioned and the strategy recognises the use of standards to ensure resilience.
The Cabinet Office will map the existing standards and assess if they are suitable, and this includes digital.
There will be a new Resilience Strategy and the Cabinet Office will work with infrastructure owners to assess the costs of meeting new standards.
New standards for resilience measures will be based on the latest climate science (currently 2 degrees and 4 degrees warming scenario).
techUK’s analysis
techUK welcomes the government’s publication of the Infrastructure Strategy.
We particularly welcome the government’s recognition of the importance of a ‘digital first’ approach to infrastructure, as well as explicit recognition of the importance of telecoms to the UK’s national infrastructure, both of which techUK called for in our paper ahead of the Strategy.
techUK also welcomes the Infrastructure Pipeline to be launched and operated by NISTA, especially the recommendations that this becomes a clear, live platform that can crowd in business investment.
However, there were some notable omissions and errors in the Strategy. Notably, there was no help on energy costs, despite techUK members citing energy costs for two years running as the main barrier to doing business in the UK. The government also failed to recognise the potential of digital transformation in industrial decarbonisation and the lack of mapping and data for connectivity speeds for industry when setting out the forward connectivity timeline.
The government also made a regretful error in claiming data centres were significant users of water. While we were pleased government cited a techUK report on data centres to support the importance of heat networks, this report pointed out data centres are not in fact heavy water consumers. techUK are collaborating with the Environment Agency which provides insights pointing to commercial data centres not being water intensive in England. techUK will be publishing a white paper imminently to showcase the results of a voluntary survey.
Given the importance of data centre infrastructure to government plans for AI Growth Zones and public service digitisation, a correction on this detail is important in order to set the public record straight. The government should look to correct this in the written Infrastructure Strategy and publicly state that data centres are not heavy users of water.
Overall, the Infrastructure Strategy gives a good framework for how the government intend to manage and deliver infrastructure projects for the next ten years. The pledges in the Strategy need now to be delivered in order to realise their full potential for the UK’s economy and society. For example, as techUK pointed out in our paper, the Infrastructure Pipeline cannot become a project wishlist, where most projects fail to come to fruition, as it will then cease to be useful to business to understand where to invest. Similarly, delivery requires government to work with Combined Authorities and other forms of local government to ensure that their Local Growth Plans take full account of the changes announced by the Infrastructure Strategy, particularly the need to plan for adequate digital infrastructure. The entrepreneurial state and Public Private Partnerships set out are also vague and require development.
The most significant next step the government can take down the road of delivery is to complete their growth offer with the Industrial Strategy, scheduled to be released the week commencing 23 June. By showing how they plan to deploy these frameworks, the government can do much to win business confidence and facilitate the private investment necessary to bring growth to the UK’s economy.
techUK looks forward to working with the government on the workstreams outlined in the Infrastructure Strategy, and we look forward to seeing the final Industrial Strategy, a full analysis of which will be uploaded alongside our submission and opinion pieces on the Industrial Strategy Hub. techUK members can also sign up for our debrief webinar on the 27, where our expert panel will dissect the full government offer on growth announced this June.
Archie Breare
Policy Manager - Skills & Digital Economy, techUK
Archie Breare
Policy Manager - Skills & Digital Economy, techUK
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability, techUK
Craig Melson
Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability, techUK
Craig is Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability and leads on our work in these areas ranging from climate change, ESG disclosures and due diligence, through to circular economy, business and human rights, conflict minerals and post-Brexit regulation.
Prior to joining techUK he worked in public affairs and policy has an avid interest in new and emerging technologies. Craig has a degree in Ancient History from King’s College London and spends his time watching Watford FC and holding out hope for Half Life 3.
Teodora’s rich background varies from working in business development for a renewable energy lobbying association in Brussels to the fast moving technology innovation startup scene in the UK.
She has designed the market strategy for a German renewable energy engineering scale up for the UK, listed on Nasdaq private market, and now one of the fastest growing scale ups in the world. Previous experience also includes managing a renewable energy startup in London, which has built a small-scale biomass CHP power plant. Teodora is passionate about cross-industry collaboration and working together with academia to inform the design of future educational models and skill building.
Most recently Teodora has ran the commercial activities and business development at Future Cities Catapult, focusing on innovation in cities, digital health and wellbeing, mobility, and infrastructure. Teodora is a passionate STEM Ambassador and a vocal advocate for women in tech.
Luisa C. Cardani is the Head of the Data Centres Programme at techUK, aiming to provide a collective voice for UK operators and working with government to improve business environment for the data centres sector.
Prior to joining techUK, Luisa worked in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport as the Head of International Data Protection, where she led on the development of elements of the UK's data protection and privacy policy. In her role, she was also the UK official representative for the EOCD Privacy Guidelines Informal Advisory Group.
She has held a number of position in government, including leading on cross-cutting data provisions in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and in high priority cross-departmental projects when working in the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
She holds an M.Sc. from University College London's Department of Political Sciences.
Phil is acting Head of Telecoms and Spectrum policy at techUK, where he leads the Communications, Infrastructure and Services Programme. This focuses on promoting the benefits and innovations of connectivity and tackles the barriers of digital infrsatructre rollout.
Phil's background lies in public affairs and policy, supporting numerous organisations to navigate their policy landscape, build their political profile and engage on key issues with impact. His previous roles were predominantly in consultancy but he has also had extensive experience in establishing and manging both trade bodies and campaign groupings; leading their secretariat functions as well as their public affairs and communications activities.
Telecoms has been an ever-constant sector focus during his career, covering an array of issues such as IP-migration, broadband rollout, net neutrality, telecoms fraud, network resilience and security. He has a strong understanding of the sector ecosytem, its major policy issues and has had plenty of interaction with its key stakeholders.
Outside of work, if he's not enjoying family time with his wife and two daughters, he'll be either playing or watching some form of sport.
Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:
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techUK Report - Evolving Digital Regulation for Growth and Innovation
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Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013.
Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK’s policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK’s world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
As Head of Public Affairs, Alice supports techUK’s strategic engagement with Westminster, Whitehall and beyond. She regularly works to engage with ministers, members of the UK’s parliaments and senior civil servants on techUK’s work advocating for the role of technology in the UK’s economy as well as wider society.
Alice joined techUK in 2022. She has experience working at both a political monitoring company, leading on the tech, media and telecoms portfolio there, and also as an account manager in a Westminster-based public affairs agency. She has a degree from the University of Sheffield in Politics and Philosophy.
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over six years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.
Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Mia focuses on shaping a policy environment that fosters the expansion of the UK tech sector while maximising the transformative potential of technology across all industries.
Prior to joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
Oliver is a Junior Policy Manager at techUK, working across Public Affairs and Digital Regulation policy. He supports the organisation’s engagement with government and parliament, contributes to shaping techUK’s regulatory agenda, and plays a key role in coordinating political outreach, policy projects, and flagship events.
He joined techUK in November 2023 as a Team Assistant to the Policy and Public Affairs team, before stepping into his current role. He has been closely involved in efforts to ensure the tech sector’s voice is heard in the policymaking process.
Oliver holds a Master’s in Policy Research from the University of Bristol and a BSc in Policy from Swansea University. During his studies, he contributed to mental health research as a Student Research Assistant for the SMaRteN network.
Outside of work, Oliver is a keen debater and remains active in the UK debating community, having previously led the Swansea University Debating Union. He enjoys exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives and values clear, thoughtful communication in policy discussions.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
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