{"id":155130,"date":"2025-09-12T11:09:22","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T10:09:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=155130"},"modified":"2025-09-12T11:09:22","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T10:09:22","slug":"chancellor-appoints-new-planning-and-infrastructure-adviser","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/planning-construction-news\/chancellor-appoints-new-planning-and-infrastructure-adviser\/155130\/","title":{"rendered":"Chancellor appoints new planning and infrastructure adviser"},"content":{"rendered":"

Catherine Howard, a planning lawyer by profession, will advise Rachel Reeves on the next phase of planning and infrastructure reforms<\/h2>\n

Howard said tha, as the new planning and infrastructure adviser, she will use her expertise to \u201cdo what it takes to get Britain building.\u201d<\/p>\n

She will work alongside both chancellor Rachel Reeves and the new housing secretary, Steve Reed, after Angela Rayner\u2019s resignation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The industry is bracing as the Autumn Budget looms<\/h3>\n

The appointment comes a month before the Autumn Budget, which Reeves says will do more to improve the economy for working people and reduce inflation.<\/p>\n

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is also currently going through Parliament, which aims to improve funding and remove several barriers preventing infrastructure from being approved.<\/p>\n

Catherine Howard will act as the new planning and infrastructure adviser, bringing expertise and specialisations in major infrastructure projects from her time working at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP as a partner.<\/p>\n

Catherine will begin her work up to four days per week unpaid until the Autumn Budget.<\/p>\n

Catherine Howard said: \u201cIt is a privilege to take on this position as the Chancellor\u2019s Infrastructure and Planning Adviser, helping the government to achieve a step-change in how we deliver major infrastructure and housing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith the right framework in place, good decision-making can enable swift progress – improving our natural environment and supporting the government\u2019s Growth Mission. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill makes major strides towards this goal. I look forward to working with stakeholders to consider how we build on this important agenda.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: \u201cI am determined we do what it takes to get Britain building, unlock private investment and deliver an economy that works for working people \u2013 and rewards working people.<\/p>\n

\u201cI look forward to working with Catherine to deliver this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Planning and Infrastructure Bill promises \u201cseismic reforms\u201d<\/h3>\n

The reforms in the bill were made clear in March<\/a>, promising to speed up decisions through:<\/p>\n