PA Consulting comments on the Autumn Budget
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Our experts reflect on the UK Autumn Budget and the impact it may have in a number of key areas.
Shaun Delaney, Global Head of Public Services, says:
Shaun Delaney says economic growth will only be achieved if public service leaders can help businesses start, scale and stay in the UK.
Shalini Raste, Regional growth expert, says:
Shalini Raste asked if regions will now really have the ability to unlock UK productivity?
Guy Neale, Defence and security expert, says:
The Autumn Budget has shown us that there is a real opportunity in using this public investment as a platform to drive external investment and export growth.
By prioritising private capital – through the National Wealth Fund and targeted industrial strategy – the budget has created an opening for the UK to leverage its position as a hub for defence innovation and manufacturing, attracting international partners and boosting exports to support European defence resilience.
The opportunity may be there, but if we want real, sustained growth, we cannot rely solely on government spending – we need to take a series of practical steps to turn the UK’s defence sector into a magnet for global investment and sales. That means:
- building partnerships across the supply chain so high-growth companies can secure funding, innovate and scale;
- creating buying and export conditions that generate steady revenue rather than infrequent large orders;
- accelerating the Rapid Commercial Exploitation marketplace through shared enablers like field testing, working capital and rapid feedback;
- embedding exportability into competition criteria to align MOD buying behaviours to the global export community;
- providing as much precision and confidence-rated analysis as possible in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan so investors can plan with certainty.
Anthony Legg, Infrastructure expert, says:
Government doubles down on infrastructure delivery. Since its election last July, the government has made attracting private sector investment a cornerstone of its strategy to boost productivity and economic growth. Today’s Budget continues that push. Measures include leveraging the government balance sheet to crowd in private funding - seen in the previously announced £14BN commitment to Sizewell C and now a £900M investment in the Lower Thames Crossing.
Government hits fast-forward on infrastructure delivery. From Heathrow and Gatwick expansion decisions to greenlighting the first small modular reactor at Wylfa, the government is accelerating the pace of delivery. Continuing this agenda, today’s budget included the announcement of reforms to regulation being considered in the nuclear sector to enable these projects to be delivered faster. Electricity grid connection reforms continue, including a review of which data centre projects are most strategic and credible to be taken forward fastest.
The infrastructure push is likely to be welcomed by investors - but turning ambition into action will be key. Government steps are expected to be welcomed by infrastructure investors, but as ever there will be hopes for more. Those looking to invest in carbon capture, hydrogen or sustainable aviation fuel sectors will still be waiting for clarity on support for future projects. These kinds of commitments are constrained by the government finances and the cost of living (which is impacted by passing on the costs associated with contracts for difference and regulated asset base models used to support the infrastructure projects), so it will be interesting to see how the government continues to walk the tight-rope between bringing forward investment, the tight public finances and keeping costs down for consumers in future.
Richard Sallnow, Transport expert at PA Consulting
Today’s Budget forces us to face a simple reality: fuel duty faces a cliff edge, and without a refresh of road taxation we’re heading towards a multibillion-pound black hole in transport funding. Moving to a pay-per-mile system for electric vehicles is an inevitable step, but its design and implementation needs careful consideration for a smooth journey ahead.
This shouldn’t be seen as a radical shift – internal combustion engines already pay a per mile charge of sorts through fuel duty. This latest announcement is an extension of that same principle for zero emission vehicles.
The quickest, fairest way to start is a simple mileage-based charge for zero-emission vehicles, verified through annual mileage readings. It gets the system running fast without intrusive surveillance or costly technology.
There will be questions from the public about how this policy will work, but that shouldn’t slow progress. Clear communication and transitional measures - such as free annual miles or phased charges - can help maintain confidence while keeping the shift to EVs on track.
Implementation will take years, but now is the time for decisive action. By working with clarity and conviction, the government can deliver a road-pricing system that people understand, trust, support and rely on.
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