Rob Mallows
Clearer standards needed to boost economy’s resilience
Government should set clear standards of resilience that infrastructure operators must maintain in the face of sudden shocks, the National Infrastructure Commission has reiterated in a new report. Climate change and related weather extremes, alongside a heightened reliance on digital technologies, mean that the UK faces increased risks of vital networks and services being unavailable...
Electricity distribution key challenge for East of England infrastructure, Commission hears
The infrastructure challenges in Cambridge and its surrounding region were the focus of a visit to Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire for Commissioners and staff which considered in particular how the wider region’s future electricity needs can be effectively managed. At a roundtable hosted for the Commission by Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Mayor Dr Nik Johnson...
Armitt: Let’s create a legacy of which we can be proud
Commission Chair Sir John Armitt has today (12 July 2024) welcomed infrastructure related announcements made by the new government in its first few days of office. This week, the Chancellor and other Ministers have made various statements setting out the government’s plans, including on planning reform, devolution to elected mayors, and the establishment of a...
Window closing on infrastructure catch up, warn government advisers
Failure to go further, faster over the next five years on plans for infrastructure delivery could constrain economic growth and threaten climate targets, according to the government’s official infrastructure advisers. Noting the UK has faced several years of disruption from Covid and the cost-of-living crisis, the National Infrastructure Commission’s annual review charts a mixed picture...
Winser: NAO call for robust plan to boost low carbon heating “absolutely right”
A National Audit Office report out today (18 March 2024) says heat pump installations are falling well below the level needed to meet the government’s targets of 600,000 units installed each year by 2028. The NAO says in response that a more robust plan from government and greater clarity on the future role if any...
Government response on surface water flooding risk “does not meet scale of challenge”
The government has today (13 March 2024) responded to the Commission’s study on reducing the risks of surface water flooding, published in November 2022. While it accepts the principles behind a number of the Commission’s recommendations, the government’s response – in the Commission’s view – makes few new commitments on steps to manage surface water...
Commission to explore capability of local electricity grid to support renewables push
Ensuring that the network connecting homes and businesses to the electricity supply can cope with the demands of a fully electric-powered economy will be the focus of a new piece of work by the National Infrastructure Commission. The government has today (27 February) published the terms of reference for the study, which asks the Commission...
Digital future for UK roads network focus of new Commission study
Harnessing the potential of digitally connected autonomous cars and commercial vehicles to increase road safety, tackle congestion and improve the accessibility of transport services will be the focus of a new National Infrastructure Commission study on connected and automated mobility (CAM). The government has today (12 February) published the terms of reference for the study,...
Hall: Measurable approach to flood risk “essential”
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee has warned that the continued lack of a national standard for flood resilience is undermining government’s efforts to boost the country’s resilience to sea and river flooding. Its new report Resilience to flooding also raises concerns that inflation and excessive bureaucracy will reduce the number of major flood...
Armitt: Hydrogen plans must proceed “at pace”
The government has this morning (14 Dec) announced plans for eleven new projects for hydrogen production in the UK, alongside updates to its existing strategy for the development of the hydrogen manufacturing in the UK. The eleven projects will see the government invest around £400m over three years in projects producing ‘green’ hydrogen, as part...
Jim Hall: clear national standards vital to improved extreme weather resilience
The National Audit Office has voiced concerns about the government’s progress on ensuring the UK can be resilient to the impacts of extreme weather events, in a new report out today (6 December). Government resilience: extreme weather finds that while central government has in place a range of existing protocols for managing the impacts of...
“No time to lose” on planning reforms, says Commission
Today’s Autumn Statement includes announcements on steps to speed up the planning system for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). Some of these steps are informed by the work of the National Infrastructure Commission, and related work by Nick Winser, the government’s Electricity Networks Commissioner (and also a National Infrastructure Commissioner). Responding to today’s announcements, Sir...
Jim Hall: Clarity on funding, clear targets crucial to long term flood resilience
A value for money report on flood resilience in England published by the National Audit Office today (15 November) warns that under current Environment Agency plans, forty per cent fewer properties in England will be protected from flooding compared to the number first forecast in 2020. The Resilience to flooding report finds that the Environment...
Long term review sets out pressing need to modernise infrastructure to support economic growth and climate action
Improved infrastructure to boost economic growth across the UK and meet climate goals is both achievable and affordable if the right policy steps are taken now, according to the government’s independent advisers on infrastructure strategy. The Second National Infrastructure Assessment – a five yearly review conducted by the National Infrastructure Commission – sets out a...
Submission of final water plans marks important step in tackling England’s supply gap
The National Infrastructure Commission has welcomed the submission of the remaining water company Water Resource Management Plans to Ofwat ahead of the regulator’s upcoming price review process which determines the levels of investment companies are able to make in new infrastructure. Today (31 August) is the deadline by which water companies yet to submit their...