The Department for Transport has today (30th March) announced the establishment of a new £165 million Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund, aimed at unlocking stalled development projects across England.

The announcement forms part of the government’s third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) and is designed to support sites where progress has been delayed due to funding constraints. By providing targeted investment in transport infrastructure, the fund seeks to enable construction to commence on housing developments that have been unable to proceed.

The fund is designed prioritise schemes located on or near major road networks, including motorways and A-roads. Officials say this focus will help ensure that new and existing communities benefit from improved connectivity, alongside increased access to housing, employment, and economic opportunities.

National Highways is due invite local authorities in the coming weeks to register developments for consideration and publish a rolling programme of funded schemes from the end of 2026/27.

More information on the announcement is available to read here.

Last week CIHT welcomed RIS3’s emphasis on maintaining and renewing existing assets, alongside targeted enhancements, which aligns closely with CIHT’s long-standing priorities.

The Institution has repeatedly highlighted the importance of focusing on the condition, resilience and performance of the existing network while ensuring infrastructure investment supports economic growth, connectivity and road user needs.

CIHT looks forward to continuing to work with the Department for Transport and the wider UK Government on delivery of RIS3 and the new Growth and Housing Accelerator fund.