The ICE has launched a new green paper consultation to help address cost and time overruns on major infrastructure projects.
Cost overruns and delays continue to challenge major infrastructure projects worldwide.
Examining the gap between forecasts and outturns for 3,022 projects, Saïd Business School found that only 27% were delivered on or under budget.
Alarmingly, only 0.2% came in on time, within budget, and with expected benefits fully realised.
In the UK, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority – now superseded by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) – estimates that adopting best practice delivery methods could reduce project overruns by up to 25%.
This green paper explores how governance and assurance structures support forecasting and delivery.
Are these frameworks fit for purpose? Or are they adding unnecessary complexity that hampers innovation?
The ICE wants to hear from decision-makers, infrastructure professionals, civil society groups, and other interested stakeholders on how better governance and assurance can help close the gap between forecasts and outturns.
Your insight will inform effective recommendations to policymakers worldwide and help them better deliver the infrastructure the public needs.
Please share your responses with [email protected] by Friday 11 July 2025.
ICE green paper programme: why do major infrastructure projects cost so much and take so long?
Content type: Policy
Last updated: 14 May 2025
You may also be interested in
- Type
- Infrastructure blog
Rewriting the rules: what does the Green Book review mean for infrastructure?
The UK government has confirmed it will change the guidance that shapes how public infrastructure investment decisions are made. The ICE unpacks what it all means.
- Type
- Infrastructure blog
6 takeaways from the UK government’s 2025 Spending Review
Will longer-term planning support better infrastructure delivery? The ICE analyses the UK's first multi-year Spending Review since 2021.
- Type
- Infrastructure blog
Why can climate resilience efforts fall through the cracks?
Without strong leadership, clear roles and joined-up planning, governments may fail to adapt to climate change. A new insights paper explores how governments can build climate resilient infrastructure.