The headlines following the autumn statement tend to focus on new investment commitments, such as plans for at least three new towns to support the ambition of delivering 1.5 million homes. Yet the UK already owns £2.7 trillion in assets, including £190bn in property, plant and equipment. The real opportunity for UK plc lies in optimising what we have, not simply building more.

This year’s Budget signalled a shift towards smarter asset management in the public sector, with a £1bn efficiency target to be achieved by 2030. A strategic asset review will be completed before 2027 to think creatively by exploring monetisation and asset disposal where appropriate. 

This marks a move towards asset stewardship and offers a significant sustainability benefit. Built environment professionals know that the most sustainable solution is often not to build at all.