In a paper submitted to Infrastructure UK, the leading engineering body said the focus for the next NIP, due to be published with the autumn statement, must be on creating a “robust and focussed delivery plan” that facilitates faster and more effective delivery of work on the ground. To help achieve this, it called for Government to replace the “top 40” priority projects list in the NIP – which actually contains over 500 individual projects due to the inclusion of programmes of work - with a shorter, concise list of priorities which align with the UK’s strategic goals.
ICE also called for speedy introduction of the promised legislation set to end stop/start investment patterns in the UK’s roads, which have long hindered maintenance and management of the asset. And it urged Government to ensure swift passage of the Electricity Market Reform which it claimed is “arguably the most important national strategic requirement covered in the NIP.”
The concerns echo calls in a recent CBI/KPMG survey, for Government to provide businesses and potential investors with the certainty they need to invest in and deliver the energy infrastructure needed for the future.
ICE Director General, Nick Baveystock, said: “The NIP has a critical role in enabling the UK to compete in a modern world, creating jobs and growth and providing the stability for the UK to grow its engineering skills and capacity. The first two editions set out a much needed and welcome vision for UK infrastructure, but the need for it to evolve into a robust and focussed delivery plan is growing.
“The next version of the NIP should clearly identify those projects which are of genuine strategic significance in delivering long term improvements to the UK’s economic performance and quality of life, and pave the way for their fast delivery. It should also set out - for the delivery of each priority project - Government’s role, an accountable Minister or official and clear progress on delivery.
“The current “Top 40” project list was a step in the right direction but is too broad and projects are not set against clear strategic goals that could be achieved through their delivery.”
On the promised roads reforms, Baveystock added: “The proposal to create an arm’s length Highways Agency with a multi-year funding settlement is welcome. The highways sector has suffered more than others from stop/start investment and capricious decision making and these steps therefore signal Government’s commitment to making decisions for the long term. Prompt introduction of the promised legislation to implement the proposals, is however critical.”
Download the NIP 2013 submission.
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