Sir John Armitt today welcomed a new survey showing strong public support for investment in infrastructure – and recognition of its benefits to the wider UK economy.

The chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission said this demonstrated the importance of planning for meeting the UK’s long term needs – as outlined in the UK’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment.

The latest Global Infrastructure Index from the Global Infrastructure Investment Association, in partnership with Ipsos MORI, revealed that almost three quarters of those questioned agree that investing in infrastructure is vital to the country’s future economic growth.

A further 58 per cent also felt that not enough is being doing to meet infrastructure needs.

Participants were also asked to rate the quality of different types of infrastructure. The country’s airports were best regarded, scoring 67 per cent, compared to the lowest ratings which were assigned to new housing supply (31 per cent), rail infrastructure (33 per cent) and flood defences (35 per cent).

It follows publication of the UK’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment in July, which includes recommendations for meeting future needs across digital communications, energy, transport, water, flood risk management and waste.

Responding to today’s Ipsos MORI Global Infrastructure Survey, Chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission Sir John Armitt said:

“Whether it’s our transport system, digital communications or our energy supplies, today’s survey shows strong support among members of the public for investment in infrastructure – and a recognition of how that could benefit the country’s economy.

“But there’s also a clear view that not enough is being done to improve our infrastructure networks. Our National Infrastructure Assessment – the first for the UK – offers a long-term plan for meeting the UK’s future needs, and I look forward to seeing next year’s National Infrastructure Strategy as the Government’s clear response to that.”