Sir John Armitt infrastructure review backs ICE’s call for independent commission

In October 2012 the Labour Party commissioned Sir John Armitt, the former Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, to undertake an independent Review of long term infrastructure planning in the UK.

Sir John has published his final report. In the report, Sir John calls for the establishment of an independent National Infrastructure Commission to identify the UK’s long-term infrastructure needs and monitor the plans developed by governments to meet them. 

Responding to the report Nick Baveystock, Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Director General, said: “The clash between the need for long term strategic infrastructure planning and the nature of short term political cycles has for too long been a hindrance to delivering the infrastructure we need, when it is needed and at price we can afford.  

"An independent commission tasked with identifying the best options for meeting the priorities approved by parliament, at arm’s length from government, is a concept ICE has championed and could help to ensure projects stand above political fault lines.  We therefore support Sir John’s proposals and hope they are adopted by the main parties.

“The Commission is not however a magic bullet - a web of other organisations, rules and established practices affect how our infrastructure is developed and further reforms will be needed.”  

For more about the Armitt review visit: www.armittreview.org

ICE called for an Independent Infrastructure Commission in its State of the Nation: transport report launched in June.

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