Rob Mallows
Clean Power 2030 Action Plan “welcome step forward” on energy decarbonisation
The government has this morning (Friday 13 December) published its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which forms part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. The plan sets outs the steps which government will take to move the UK to fully renewable electricity generation, including further steps on speeding up the planning process for major...
Planning changes can support renewables expansion
The government has today announced changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the over-arching policies which outline the government’s priorities for the planning system in England. Though largely focused on changes to support the government’s housing goals, the framework also includes new guidance relating to the planning system for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs),...
Sir John Armitt: PM’s plan for 150 infrastructure DCOs “a huge undertaking”
In a speech this morning, the Prime Minister has set out a number of milestones which the government aims to fulfil over this Parliament on housing, the NHS, policing, clean power and other policy areas. This includes a specific pledge to approve planning decisions on at least 150 major infrastructure projects (through the granting of...
Ensuring everyone has a stake in our future infrastructure
Infrastructure makes our society function effectively. Our roads, railways and buses enable people to get around for work or leisure and connect businesses with their customers. Our energy infrastructure powers homes. Broadband fibre and mobile networks bring the online world to us instantly. As government’s independent adviser on long term infrastructure planning, the Commission has...
Commission welcomes steps to boost recycling in England
The Commission is encouraged by the details in a policy update from the government (published on 29 November) setting out its plans to increase reycling rates across England, which address Commission concerns about delays to investment in new recycling capacity. The 2021 Environment Act had introduced powers to implement three key components of a future...
Letter to Chief Secretary on work to inform ten-year infrastructure strategy
Commission Chair Sir John Armitt has today (27 November) written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, to set out the input which the Commission will provide to support and inform the development of the government’s ten-year infrastructure strategy; it is a response to the Chief Secretary’s letter of 7...
Julia Prescot: People must be “at heart of infrastructure planning”
Julia Prescot, Deputy Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, spoke at the annual dinner of the National Infrastructure Planning Association yesterday (Thursday, 21 November 2024), explaining why putting people at the heart of reforms to the planning system for infrastructure is crucial to successfully delivering the new infrastructure projects the UK needs to decarbonise energy...
Funding allocation reforms “step forward” for flood resilience
The government has today (13 November) announced plans to reform the funding of flood risk management, alongside a review of the existing formula to ensure it addresses the flood protection challenges of businesses, and rural and coastal communities. In response Professor Jim Hall, Commissioner at the National infrastructure Commission, said: “We welcome government’s commitment to...
Advice to ministers provides “welcome clarity” on Clean Power 2030 trajectory
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has today (5 November 2024) published details of its advice to government on the steps needed to transform electricity generation, the transmission grid and other parts of the UK’s energy system in order to deliver the government’s Clean Power 2030 objectives. The analysis notes that while meeting the 2030...
Budget response: welcome announcements on capital funding, HS2 and roads
Today (Wednesday 30 October) the government has set out its autumn Budget. It contains a number of infrastructure-related announcements including changes to capital investment rules, funding to complete the HS2 link between Old Oak Common and Euston station, and additional support for fixing roads. In response, Commission Chair Sir John Armitt said: On changes to...
Energy transition crucial to North East’s growth, Commission hears
Infrastructure’s role in building a thriving regional economy for the North East was on the agenda as the Commission’s visited Newcastle yesterday (Wednesday, 16 October), and maximising the potential of the region’s existing expertise in renewable energy, as the country shifts towards a fully electric economy, featured high on the agenda. At a roundtable chaired...
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...