APM inputs into National Infrastructure Commission strategy

The Association for Project Management (APM) has provided input into the National Infrastructure Commission’s call for evidence by consulting across the profession for its views on the UK’s key infrastructure needs over the next 20 to 30 years.

The consultation is intended to set out the key design specifications of the new National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), which will provide expert, independent advice on pressing infrastructure issues in the UK.

The consultation covered a broad range of topics from the Northern Powerhouse to the UK’s future energy needs. Key findings from APM’s consultation concluded that:

• weaknesses in transport connectivity are currently playing a major role in holding back the development of northern cities stifling economic growth and job creation.
• modernised rail services with fast and reliable commuter services are desperately needed throughout the north of England, both between and within cities.
• an effective freight rail transport system is needed take heavy goods vehicles off the road.
• a holistic infrastructure investment plan was needed that also considers the UK’s online and virtual communication infrastructure. 
• regional empowerment is needed to identify and resolve local transport needs to speed up action.
• the current regulated privatised system in key transport modes exposes the taxpayer to all of the downside risk and the private sector to all of the upside risk.
• developing international connectivity by expanding northern airports such as Leeds-Bradford and Manchester and northern ports including Sunderland, Grimsby/Immingham and Hull.
• concern over our economic over-reliance upon London and the South East which has led to over-crowding, inflated property prices and increasing pressure upon its infrastructure and services.  
• the expansion of local wind and solar energy generation and storage, and the growth of energy efficient housing stock to meet current and future energy needs.

The consultation, which was submitted on the 15 January, will help inform the future development and focus of the National Infrastructure Commission’s report due in March 2016.

Download APM’s full response to the NIC commission.

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