In the United Kingdom, statutory undertakers are the various companies and agencies given general licence to carry out certain development and highways works.

Those relating to transport that have a duty through enactment to railways, canals and roads are defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (s. 98.6).

In recognition of their special status, statutory undertakers have privileges regarding development and highways access.

Before the 1991 deregulation the number of statutory undertakers was low – made up local and regional, gas, water and electricity boards and national telecoms providers.

In most areas cable telecommunications companies and appointed contractors on behalf of local authorities have been granted a licence.