NIC
Government action can ensure UK benefits from world-class infrastructure
Ministers have a real and exciting chance to set the course for the UK to have world-leading infrastructure, Sir John Armitt said today. The chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission pointed to the action taken to date to enact the Commission’s recommendations – and the central role that infrastructure plays in the Government’s Industrial Strategy...
New report underlines need to tackle carbon emissions from homes
A new report today warns that UK homes are “not fit for purpose” either against the threat of climate change or in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – and makes recommendations in line with those in the UK’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment. The study, from the Committee on Climate Change, recommends steps including using...
Champions of infrastructure design sought for pioneering new group
The National Infrastructure Commission is today launching the recruitment of members for its new Design Group, inviting champions of infrastructure design to play an important role in ensuring this issue is placed at the heart of major projects. Commissioner Professor Sadie Morgan, who will chair the Group, said those involved in this exciting initiative will...
Welcome move towards standard recycling rules
Ministers today outlined proposals to introduce consistent and standardised rules across the country for what can and cannot be recycled – mirroring a recommendation from the UK’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment. In a consultation published today, Environment Secretary Michael Gove proposes that glass bottles and containers, paper and card, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays...
Commission seeks views on future improvements to regulating essential services
The National Infrastructure Commission today launched a call for evidence on what future changes may be required to ensure regulation of the energy, telecoms and water industries both supports investment and innovation while at the same time keeping costs down for consumers. Chairman Sir John Armitt said the Commission wants to hear how the current...
Cost of congestion shows need to enable local leaders to tackle the issue
New figures show that road congestion cost the UK economy £8billion last year – highlighting the need for local solutions to tackle the issue, as recommended in the UK’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment. The study by transport data firm Inrix shows that the average road user in London lost up to £1,680 last year due...
Alternative to the EIB needed to support infrastructure investment
A new report today echoes findings by the National Infrastructure Commission, of the need for a new financial institution for infrastructure investment. The Lords EU Financial Affairs sub-committee warns that once Britain leaves the European Union, the country’s infrastructure industries will lose access to funding through the European Investment Bank – which in 2015 accounted...
Commission urges Growth Arc residents to have their say over East-West Rail route
A consultation launched today seeks views on the preferred route for the central section of the new East-West Rail line – helping towards meeting a key recommendation from the National Infrastructure Commission. The consultation seeks views from residents and businesses on the best route to link Bedford and Cambridge, a key part of offering improved...
First electric Car of the Year highlights need for infrastructure support
The Kia e-Niro today becomes the first electric car to be awarded Car of the Year – highlighting the growing market for electric vehicles in place of traditional petrol and diesel. The National Infrastructure Assessment – the first of its kind in the UK – recommends action to deliver a truly national, visible charging network...
Armitt congratulates National Infrastructure Commission recipients of top New Year’s Honours
National Infrastructure Commission chairman Sir John Armitt today congratulated those recognised in the New Year’s Honours list. Commissioner Bridget Rosewell is awarded a CBE for services to the economy. Dr James Richardson, the Commission’s Chief Economist, is made a Companion of the Order of the Bath, for his public service. Responding, chairman of the National...
Report shows need to tackle carbon and congestion caused by ever-greater demands for deliveries
Whitehall and Town Halls should offer greater support to efforts to meet people’s growing demands for fast deliveries while also reducing congestion and carbon emissions, the National Infrastructure Commission warned today. As more and more consumers are looking to get next-day deliveries on their last-minute Christmas shopping this weekend, chairman Sir John Armitt argued the...
Waste strategy welcome – with action needed now to match public ambition
The Government today published its new Resources and Waste Strategy to help ramp up recycling rates – and which includes measures in line with recommendations from the UK’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment. It follows research for the National Infrastructure Commission, which highlights the strong public support for the government to drive up recycling rates and...
New partnership programme will ‘help cities to plan for the future’
The National Infrastructure Commission today launched a partnership programme for cities and city regions across the country, to help local leaders develop long-term strategies that link transport, housing and job opportunities. Chairman Sir John Armitt said the programme would help cities “from the North East to the South West” to share knowledge and expertise as...
Cities partnership programme launch: responses
Andrew Carter, chief executive at the Centre for Cities “Cities are where the national economy happens. We have long argued for places up and down the country to have more certainty and long term funding to invest in infrastructure, as the National Infrastructure Assessment rightly recommends. “That is why we are delighted to be part...
New Gemini Principles lay the foundations for developing digital twins
The Government’s new Digital Framework Task Group today published the Gemini Principles – the values and definitions that would guide the development of a national digital twin of the UK’s infrastructure, as recommended by the National Infrastructure Commission. A national digital twin would offer a digital model of the UK’s infrastructure network, made up of connected...