Britons believe UK should invest more in infrastructure, and think private sector is more capable of delivery than government
A new survey has found that a clear majority of Britons believe the UK should be investing more in its infrastructure, and that most view the private sector as best placed to deliver.
Trust in the private sector is greater, along with a belief in its ability to deliver faster. Britons are concerned that the UK’s public debt is too high, and say private companies should play a bigger role.
The survey was conducted for the Global Infrastructure Investor Association by Freshwater Strategy, which conducted online interviews with more than 1000 Britons, with survey data weighted to be representative of UK residents.
Key findings include that:
- A clear majority of Brits (72%) believe that the UK should be investing more in infrastructure.
- Two-thirds (66%) think that without greater private sector investment, the UK risks falling behind other countries in delivering the infrastructure we need.
- Most (59%) believe that the private sector is capable of delivering the infrastructure the UK needs, with the same proportion thinking the government would be less capable.
Jon Phillips, chief executive of the Global Infrastructure Investor Association, said:
“Private investors play a major role in the delivery and management of the UK’s energy, transport, utilities and digital infrastructure. This survey demonstrates broad public support for their ability to do so.
“Most Britons have more confidence in the private sector to get on with the job, and believe it is better able to deliver the modern, resilient infrastructure that communities and business need to thrive.
“Government’s job is to put in place the enabling policies and regulations that will attract essential investment in the UK.”
Further findings are that just over half of Brits (53%) think UK infrastructure is better than average compared to the rest of the world, while 45% say it is about average or worse. Water supply and sewerage emerge as the sector that is the highest priority for investment, followed by roads and highways.
Almost three-quarters (73%) of voters in London say they are satisfied with UK infrastructure, while voters in the rest of England, Scotland and Wales are either evenly split or more likely to say they are not satisfied.
However, more than half believe the UK’s airports, digital connectivity and electricity network offer good quality services.
In findings that private investors will find encouraging, more than six out of ten Brits (>60%) agreed that:
- Private sector investment will help to relieve the government’s current backlog of infrastructure developments
- Allowing private companies to invest more in infrastructure would reduce pressure on government-run, public services
- It is better for the private sector to pay for new infrastructure than the government borrowing or taxing Brits more
Freshwater Strategy conducted online interviews with 1,050 eligible voters in the UK, aged 18+, between 22 and 31 October 2025. The margin of error is +/- 3%, and data are weighted to be representative of UK voters. Freshwater Strategy is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
Slides from the survey can be accessed via the link at the top right of this webpage.