News & Insights
Updated:
Sort By:
Tagged:
Search:
Engaging younger generation with transformation of UK’s infrastructure goal for next YPP
The ten new members of the National Infrastructure Commission Young Professionals Panel meet for the first time today with a remit to build a stronger voice for younger infrastructure creators and users in the Commission’s work, at a time of increased focus on infrastructure as a key engine of economic recovery. Meeting virtually as a...
Can data help make our crucial infrastructure even more resilient?
Now more than ever we can see the importance of data to help us anticipate, react, and recover from infrequent but potentially devastating events. But this is not just true of pandemics: data can help us to manage direct shocks to infrastructure as well. During the current crisis, our infrastructure systems have generally stood up...
Broad view on rail benefits will help assess rail options for North and Midlands, says Commission
Decisions on future rail investment in the North and Midlands should consider factors that capture the wide range of benefits that rail transport into dense cities and towns can bring, according to the National Infrastructure Commission. The Commission has today published an interim report which sets out the methodology it proposes to use to undertake...
New package of flood prevention measures welcomed
The government had today published a policy statement on flood and coastal erosion risk management. This sets out a range of measures the government proposes taking to improve resilience to flood and coastal erosion risk. In response to the statement, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission Sir John Armitt said: “This significant package to better...
Armitt: “Build Build Build” plans need to lock in environmental gains with long term strategy
Responding to today’s speech (‘Build Build Build’, 30 June 2020) by the Prime Minister, Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “Building back better, greener and faster are welcome ambitions and it is critical that we take immediate steps to secure jobs and build confidence across supply chains. “Opportunities remain to accelerate...
New report a “timely reminder” of need for green economic recovery plan
The latest annual report to Parliament by the Committee on Climate Change says accelerating steps to address climate change must be at the heart of any economic recovery plan, and proposes a range of green stimulus measures in tune with recommendations made by the National Infrastructure Commission. The CCC’s latest report says government should use...
Forecasting a changeable outlook
You don’t have to be a trained weather forecaster to note that the weather in the UK is changing. The scientific consensus is that we will see an increase in the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events as a result of climate change. The UK government has legislated for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by...
A duty to prepare: vital infrastructure must be ready for the future, finds Commission
The past is not always the best guide to the future and proactive steps are needed to ensure the UK’s infrastructure can remain resilient, according to a new report by the National Infrastructure Commission. The Commission has set out a new framework to help support change across infrastructure sectors and is calling for transparent standards...
Fresh ideas to help infrastructure serve a changing society
Three-day rail season tickets to support flexible working, designing transport hubs to encourage safe post-pandemic social interaction, and securing better air quality through design are just some of the ideas proposed by young infrastructure professionals as part of a programme run by the National Infrastructure Commission. The Commission’s inaugural Young Professionals Panel (YPP) was appointed...
Armitt: Decisions now can help on long road of healing economy
Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, has reinforced the need for long-term infrastructure planning alongside short term stimulus measures to help build confidence in the economy, in a letter to the Chancellor. His letter, sent last week, acknowledges that measures are available to stimulate demand in parts of the economy – such...
Metering will save us water sooner
It’s not surprising that household water consumption has surged during the Covid19 lockdown. We’re washing our hands more than ever, and many of us are home all day using our bathrooms and kitchens. But even before lockdown, some of us were already using more water than we need – by taking long showers, watering our...
How can infrastructure improve competitiveness?
Looking beyond the urgent priorities raised by the present pandemic, Commission Economic Advisor Beth Horsman introduces a new discussion paper exploring the vexed subject of competitiveness and its implications for long term infrastructure planning. When you think of competitiveness, what sort of images spring to mind? Furiously fought sporting fixtures; athletes training for competitions; a...
Dame Kate Barker steps down
Dame Kate Barker has stepped down as a National Infrastructure Commissioner following her appointment as Chair-elect of the Universities Superannuation Scheme. During her time at the Commission, Dame Kate led policy development on water supply, flooding and on the relationship between housing development and infrastructure. She was one of four Commissioners appointed in April 2017....
Call for input to shape vision for the future of rail in the Midlands and the north
The National Infrastructure Commission has today invited businesses, passengers, transport experts and regional leaders to share their ideas for transforming the rail landscape of the north alongside the East and West Midlands and help create a lasting legacy from the construction of High Speed 2 (HS2). The Commission has launched a new call for evidence which kicks off its work on a Rail Needs Assessment covering large parts of England and stretching north to Scotland. This assessment will inform the government’s plans for an Integrated Rail Plan for the the Midlands...
Water resources framework offers “bold vision” for future drought resilience
The Environment Agency has today published its National Framework for Water Resources. This aims to help reduce demand, halve leakage rates, develop new supplies, move water to where it’s needed and reduce the need for drought measures that can harm the environment. Commenting on the framework, Commissioner Dame Kate Barker said: “With demand for water...