What could a Reform UK government mean for the infrastructure sector?

The comments were made after Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, made significant gains at local and devolved administration elections on 7 May.

Polling by YouGov showing the public’s voting intention if there was a general election tomorrow, published on 11 May, puts Reform first at 28%, Conservatives at 17%, Labour and the Greens at 16% and the Lib Dems on 13%

Meanwhile, pollster Electoral Calculus says Reform has a 70% probability of being the largest party in the House of Commons at the next election, but likely only able to form a minority government.

The next general election must be held by 2029, which means none of the parties have yet published a detailed manifesto setting out their policies, pitching their programme for government to voters.

NCE approached Reform UK to ask about its major infrastructure plans but did not receive a reply.

However, the party does list some policies on its website. The first four priority areas are dedicated to reversing “illegal” immigration to the UK, but some other areas are relevant to the infrastructure and civil engineering sector.

Under a section on “Scrap net zero to cut energy bills”, it says the party would “prioritise energy security, expand domestic energy production, and scrap policies that drive bills higher while making Britain more dependent on foreign energy.”

The party also makes statements on farming, manufacturing and “embracing the technologies of the future” but does not set out any specific policies on other traditional infrastructure sectors like the transport network.

Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) director of public affairs Ben Brittain told NCE that Reform’s focus on regional growth and “the fundamentals” which “can likely lay the groundwork” for more ambitious infrastructure delivery.

“Reform UK’s focus on delivering infrastructure where it’s needed most, in the North, the Midlands, our coastal communities, is genuinely welcome, and it’s a conversation our industry has been advocating for years,” he said.

“Getting investment into the regions isn’t just good politics; it’s good economics. If the regions’ economy grows, so does the nation’s.

“I have no doubt we will see more detail on the funding and delivery frameworks that sit behind Reform’s national infrastructure ambitions. Infrastructure doesn’t get built on intent alone and it needs stable pipelines, investor confidence and the institutional architecture to turn commitments into spades in the ground.

“That’s the conversation ACE would want to have with any government or party serious about regional growth.”

The current Labour government has tried to create a more visible forward view of infrastructure projects into the long term with the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority’s ‘UK Infrastructure Pipeline’.

The pipeline is designed to provide “industry and investors with up-to-date information on public and privately delivered infrastructure projects in construction, under development or in pre-project stages where a clear strategic need has been prioritised by the UK Government or in business plans.”

Brittain continued: “Critically, energy infrastructure and grid investment are needed to power the communities Reform are determined to transform. The two must go hand in hand and energy resilience is a significant part of that.

“In the short term, we can expect a renewed focus on the fundamentals, addressing potholes, improving local connectivity, and those local authorities delivering visible, practical upgrades within communities.

“Looking further ahead, this back-to-basics approach can likely lay the groundwork for more ambitious, integrated infrastructure improvements. Reform and industry can work together to build the capacity, trust, and systems needed to deliver larger-scale, future-focused projects.”

Civil Engineering Contractors Association (Ceca) director of policy and public affairs Ben Goodwin was more cautious, highlighting the trade body’s political neutrality and said the main request from Ceca for any party would be “long-term certainty”.

“Ceca is politically neutral and works constructively with all political parties, the devolved administrations, and local government,” he told NCE.

“Our test for any party’s policies is straightforward: will they give industry the confidence, certainty, and capability to deliver the infrastructure the UK needs?

“There are areas in Reform UK’s policy aims that will be of clear relevance to Ceca members, including its stated support for simplifying planning, reducing business burdens, and investing in skills and apprenticeships. These are all areas where industry would welcome serious, deliverable policy detail.”

Reform UK has a section of its list of policies titled “Make Britain the best place to start and run a business” where it says “Reform UK will cut red tape, cut business taxes, simplify planning, and create a stable, pro-enterprise environment.”

Goodwin continued: “However, the overriding requirement of industry is long-term certainty. Infrastructure is delivered over years, not news cycles, and any future government must avoid stop-start policy, sudden cancellations, or abrupt changes in direction that undermine investor confidence and make it harder for contractors to plan, price, train and mobilise.

“This is particularly important in relation to net zero and energy policy. Ceca members are already delivering the infrastructure that will underpin the UK’s future energy security and economic growth.

“Whatever the political debate, the sector needs a clear, investable pipeline across energy, transport, water and wider economic infrastructure, alongside a planning system that is faster, more predictable and proportionate.

“We would also urge any party seeking to form a future government to engage closely with industry on the real-world practical realities of delivery: skills shortages, supply-chain capacity, fair payment, procurement reform, private finance, and the need for a visible, investable pipeline.

“Ceca stands ready to work with any future government on securing the UK economy, and delivering the infrastructure, jobs, and connectivity businesses and communities across England, Scotland and Wales rely upon.”

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) director of policy and external affairs Sam Gould told NCE: “Regardless of which party leads the next government, the UK faces the same challenges. Our infrastructure is ageing and needs maintenance. Our changing climate and geopolitical instability mean that our transport, power and other vital networks are vulnerable.

“Economic inequality needs to be addressed systematically so the benefits of investment are felt throughout the country. Infrastructure is a key part of addressing all of these challenges.

“Whoever leads the government, the ICE will continue to advocate for infrastructure that benefits society and addresses the challenges we face.”

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