The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s announcement of further Green Book reform, with more detail expected at the Budget next week. The planned changes seek to help communities make a stronger case for investment and growth.  

The proposed approach will help local and strategic authorities develop place-based business cases, consider related investments together and identify barriers to local growth. The Government has also confirmed that No10 North will support local areas, including those without mayors, to develop business cases and make use of the updated approach. 

Marie-Claude Hemming, Policy Director at ACE, said: 

“ACE has long called for investment appraisal to better reflect the economic potential of places across the UK. The direction of travel reflects important ACE asks, and Green Book reform must help turn local ambition into investment that delivers growth. Housing, transport, employment and skills are closely connected, and investment decisions need to reflect how they work together to support local economies. 

“But better appraisal must be matched by better project development. Robust evidence and the right expertise are essential to turn investment plans into deliverable projects. Early engagement with engineering and environmental consultancies can help clients assess options, manage risk and secure better whole-life value from public investment.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editors 

- The Association for Consultancy and Engineering represents professional consultancies and engineering companies working across the UK’s social and economic infrastructure. 

- HM Treasury and Prime Minister’s Office, PM puts communities first in government investment rules shake up, 22 October 2026: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-puts-communities-first-in-government-investment-rules-shake-up 

- The announcement confirms that further Green Book reforms will be set out at the Budget. It also refers to the previously announced intention to reduce the headline discount rate from 3.5% to 3%. The published Green Book currently retains the 3.5% rate for the first 30 years of appraisal; implementation details should be confirmed in the forthcoming Budget documents. 

- ACE, ACE welcomes HM Treasury’s new Green Book, 5 February 2026:  https://www.acenet.co.uk/news/press-releases/ace-welcomes-hm-treasury-s-new-green-book/.  

- ACE Group, Capital gains must not come at the cost of infrastructure care, 11 June 2025: https://www.acenet.co.uk/news/press-releases/capital-gains-must-not-come-at-the-cost-of-infrastructure-care-says-ace-group/.