Ben Wilson
Commission pinpoints strategic gaps in infrastructure planning ahead of next landmark national assessment
The National Infrastructure Commission has announced the topics that will sit at the heart of its next major assessment of the UK’s long term infrastructure priorities, to be published in 2023, following analysis of the current performance of key sectors. The priorities will include identifying the infrastructure needed for hydrogen and carbon capture and storage...
Welcome spending plans should “support a more stable national infrastructure planning cycle”
Responding to today’s Budget and Spending Review, Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “With reasonable capital settlements for key areas including local transport outside London, and an increase in the guidelines for projected infrastructure spending for the long term, these announcements indicate a government keen to support a more stable national...
Commission to investigate surface water flooding risks
The government has asked the independent National Infrastructure Commission to investigate how the risks of surface water flooding can be better managed, following a spate of inland flooding incidents in recent months. The Commission will seek to identify improvements needed to England’s drainage systems to manage and mitigate surface water flooding in both urban and rural areas. Surface water flooding is the most common flood...
“The priority now is to get on with it”: Sir John Armitt responds to government’s net zero strategies
The government has today (19 October 2021) published a number of documents setting out commitments to support the transition to a lower carbon economy. Responding to publication of the Heat and Buildings Strategy, Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “Kick starting the heat pump market to reduce costs for households to...
Government accepts Commission’s recommendations for better resilience
The government has today (15 September 2021) published its formal response to the Commission’s 2020 study on resilience, Anticipate, react, recover – Resilient infrastructure systems. This study called for a new framework for resilience which anticipates future shocks and stresses; improves actions to resist, absorb and recover from them by testing for vulnerabilities; values resilience...
Hydrogen strategy “an important milestone” but clarity on costs needed soon
The Commission has welcomed today’s publication (17 August 2021) of the government’s UK hydrogen strategy and associated consultations, noting that the outcomes of the latter will need to address the challenges of reducing the cost of hydrogen production and ensuring a fair distribution of those costs. Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission,...
Government responds to Commission’s study on future of freight
The government has today (4 August 2021) published its formal response to the Commission’s 2019 study, Better delivery: the challenge for freight. This study found that through the adoption of new technologies and the recognition of freight’s needs in the planning system, it is possible to decarbonise road and rail freight by 2050 and manage...
Climate resilience focus welcomed in proposed water strategic policy statement
The National Infrastructure Commission has welcomed aspects of the draft Strategic Policy Statement for Ofwat, published today (22 July 2021). The statement sets out the government’s strategic priorities and expectations for Ofwat’s regulation of the water sector in England. Giles Stevens, Director of Policy at the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “Strategic policy statements play an...
Commission responds to net zero transport plans
The government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan was published on 14 July 2021, with the initial announcement including confirmation that government will consult on a 2035 date for ending the sale of new diesel and petrol vans, and a 2040 date for ending the sale of new larger HGVs. Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure...
What makes good design? Commission’s Principles help frame civil engineers’ approach
The National Infrastructure Commission’s Design Group has collaborated with the Institution of Civil Engineers on a major report examining the barriers to embedding good design at every stage of infrastructure projects. In September 2020, the ICE, in collaboration with the Commission’s Design Group, surveyed ICE members to establish how relevant they believed the Commission’s four...
Public engagement needed for water usage plans to work, says Commission
Today (1 July) government has published a Written Ministerial Statement on steps to reduce personal water consumption. It follows a public consultation on the subject held in 2019, and outlines measures government intends to take to encourage water efficient products and introduce a more consistent approach to leakage. In response, a spokesperson for the National...
Armitt heralds “important milestone” as new Infrastructure Bank opens
The National Infrastructure Commission has welcomed today’s official launch of the UK Infrastructure Bank, based in Leeds. Sir John Armitt, Chair of the Commission, said: “We welcome the official establishment of the UK Infrastructure Bank. The Bank is set to become an important piece of the jigsaw for delivering the infrastructure needed to reach net zero...
Julia Prescot’s speech to Westminster Forum on priorities for the UK infrastructure bank
The following remarks were given as a keynote address by Commissioner Julia Prescot at a Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum policy conference which took place today (19 May 2021), exploring priorities for the UK infrastructure bank. Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak at your event this morning and it’s good to be...
Commission welcomes UK Infrastructure Bank appointment
The National Infrastructure Commission has welcomed the appointment of Chris Grigg CBE as Chair of the UK Infrastructure Bank, announced today by HM Treasury. Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “I am pleased to congratulate Chris Grigg on his appointment as Chair of the UK Infrastructure Bank. “This is a key milestone...
Timeline for second National Infrastructure Assessment announced
The UK’s second National Infrastructure Assessment will be published in the second half of 2023 and consultation and analysis to inform its recommendations will commence this autumn, the National Infrastructure Commission has confirmed. The Commission’s Corporate Plan for the next three years, published today, sets out the process it will follow to develop a comprehensive...