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Written question asked by Baroness McGregor-Smith (Non-affiliated) on Thursday, 9 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 July 2026. It was answered by Lord Livermore (Labour) on Friday, 17 July 2026 on behalf of the Treasury.


Economic Growth: Infrastructure

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the contribution that accelerated infrastructure delivery could make to increasing the United Kingdom’s long-term growth rate above the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast.

Answer

The Office for Budget Responsibility produces its forecasts independently and is responsible for the assumptions underpinning them.

The Government is committed to increasing the UK's long-term growth potential.

The Government’s strategy to boost growth and improve productivity has been guided by three principles: restoring economic stability, increasing investment, and reforming the economy to remove barriers to growth.

We have made significant progress, including through implementing the Planning and Infrastructure Act and are backing businesses by delivering the modern Industrial Strategy. We have also introduced reforms to unlock private sector investment, including through legislative changes to the pensions system, and to strengthen the UK's skills base, such as by introducing the Growth and Skills Levy.

Last year, RTI-based productivity growth was 2.2 per cent, the fastest calendar year rate outside the pandemic in more than a decade. Whole economy investment has risen to 5.6% above its level at the start of this Parliament.

In the 2026 Mais Lecture, the Chancellor set out how the Government is going even further on this agenda with three big choices: empowering regional growth, embracing AI & innovation, and establishing a closer relationship with the EU.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1917
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Infrastructure Economic growth Office for Budget Responsibility
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk