The team, comprising academics, lobbyists and business leaders, is undertaking a ‘national needs assessment’ and is calling for evidence to be submitted by 29th February 2016.
The aim is to publish a report in the autumn that sets out a ‘vision’ for UK infrastructure up to 2050, taking into account factors such as climate change, population growth and technological change.
It will also review different options for meeting the UK’s needs, considering affordability, public acceptability and environmental obligations.
The needs assessment panel is chaired by Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) president and National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) commissioner Sir John Armitt.
Other members are:
- Rhian Kelly, director of business environment, Confederation of British Industry
- John Dickie, director of strategy & policy, London First
- Matthew Spencer, director, Green Alliance
- Richard Threlfall, UK head infrastructure, building and construction, KPMG
- Lord Robert Mair, head of civil and environmental engineering, University of Cambridge
- Jim Hall, professor of climate and environmental risks, University of Oxford
- Robbie Owen, parliamentary agent, Pinsent Masons
- Steve Holliday, CEO, National Grid
- Nick Baveystock, director general, Institution of Civil Engineers
- Jon Lamonte, CEO, Transport for Greater Manchester
- Gareth Williams, director of policy, Scottish Council for Development & Industry
- Graham Dalton, former CEO, Highways Agency
- Martin Baggs, CEO, Thames Water
KPMG’s Richard Threlfall said: “At the heart of the national needs assessment lies a very simple question – what infrastructure does the UK need, over the next 35 years, to ensure its economic success? For years the UK has muddled through with a stop-start, piecemeal approach to infrastructure investment but today we begin a journey to create a long-term, evidence-based approach to determining the UK’s infrastructure needs. I hope plenty of organisations and individuals will respond to the consultation so we can draw on a diverse range of perspectives and as much experience as possible in this important endeavour.”
Sir John Armitt said: “Effective infrastructure drives growth, supports job creation and creates thriving, sustainable societies. But infrastructure is expensive, can be disruptive during construction, and requires fine political judgement so resources are best used to meet the country’s needs.
“The National Infrastructure Commission has been established to provide dispassionate analysis on these long term needs, and act as a catalyst for reaching consensus so vital projects are built. The recommendations it makes must therefore be robust, evidence based and help policy-makers with the often difficult and controversial decisions they have to take.
“This coalition of leading organisations has united to provide the commission with an independent view on infrastructure, which it can feed into its work. We all share a common goal – the development of a long term infrastructure strategy which drives the economic growth necessary to enhance the UK's position in the global economy, support a high quality of life and enable a shift to a low carbon future.
“Our independent, evidence based needs assessment will result in a shared vision to 2050 and set out options for delivering the vision. We will harness the coalition’s broad expertise and importantly, open the infrastructure debate up to all with a stake through our wide consultation.”
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