Government publishes Planning and Infrastructure Bill impact assessment

An impact assessment of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill has estimated that the changes could benefit the economy by up to £7.5bn over the next 10 years. The low and central estimates of the analysis come in at £1.3bn and £3.2bn respectively.

The government is hoping its reforms will accelerate the delivery of more homes and critical infrastructure, including roads, railways and clean energy projects.

Government argues lower costs for businesses, fewer delays and more certainty as a result of the Bill’s measures could lead to further investment and provide an additional boost to the economy.

It also points out this assessment does not account for recent amendments to the Bill to overhaul the pre-application stage for critical infrastructure, which government analysis suggests will add another £1 billion over this Parliament.

This predicted boost to the economy is on top of the measures already implemented in the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The Office for Budget Responsibility recently said the changes to NPPF alone will drive housebuilding to its highest level in over 40 years, and deliver an additional £6.8 billion by 2029/2030.

The analysis has also been given a ‘green rating’ by the Regulatory Policy Committee, which means the assessment is considered robust and fit for purpose by the independent scrutiny body that considers them.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner said, “Getting Britain building will not only boost economic growth but ensure we deliver the homes and infrastructure working people deserve.

The Bill, says Rayner, will also support the government’s push to make at least 150 decisions on major infrastructure projects this Parliament, with 17 decided so far. 

Further reforms tabled at Committee Stage, and not included in the impact assessment, will streamline the pre-application process for windfarms, new roads and other major infrastructure projects.