Almost two-thirds of UK pension fund leaders are expecting to increase their investment in UK infrastructure during the next 12 months, a new survey has revealed.
Over a third (34%) of the 300 local government, defined contribution and defined benefit pension fund leaders surveyed responded that after their fiduciary responsibility to members, ‘supporting local communities’ was the main incentive behind their decision to invest in infrastructure.
Published by GLIL Infrastructure, the survey also found that 37% of the respondents invested in infrastructure because of the Government’s focus on this asset class.
Supporting the UK economy was the top response to the poll, cited by nearly two in five respondents (39%).
Ted Frith, chief operating officer at GLIL Infrastructure, said: ‘It’s encouraging to see so many pension fund leaders planning to allocate further patient capital to investing in UK infrastructure. This is needed to finance more projects and help power the UK’s transition to a sustainable net zero economy.’
‘While pension funds gain access to reliable, inflation-linked returns, infrastructure investing can also be a force for social good, supporting local communities through jobs, education and regeneration projects, as well as helping to drive the economy forwards.’