David Barwell, Chief Executive UK & Ireland, AECOM, said:

“We fully support the recommendations in the ICE’s State of the Nation report. An integrated approach to growth in the UK that goes beyond traditional boundaries is needed to tackle major challenges in housing, infrastructure, transport and planning.

“The ICE’s recommendation for the creation of regional infrastructure strategies across England to better ensure effective integration of infrastructure and housing planning at local, regional and national levels is particularly welcome. Joined up thinking will be key to ensuring the economic effectiveness of new infrastructure and creating successful communities where people will want to live and work.

“Future-proofing new housing developments and strengthening existing communities is another vital recommendation in the report. Accelerating climate action will require radical innovation and as an industry we’ve got to come up with new ways to kick our carbon habit and help housing and infrastructure delivery meet the UK’s net zero carbon target. The report outlines some of the most pressing and complex challenges currently facing the UK. It’s now up to our industry to pick up the mantle and play a leadership role in addressing them.”