Business Welcomes Creation of National Infrastructure Commission

Business West - Chambers & Initiative welcomed the announcement of the setting up of an independent National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) by George Osborne in the Chancellor’s Conservative Party Speech.

James Durie, Executive Director, said:

“For too long the UK has not set out and agreed its long terms plans for national and local infrastructure, with far too much short term and piecemeal thinking and planning taking place.  As a consequence we have too often lost out on making the case and delivering the significant investment our cities and regions need. Our European colleagues in France and Germany have made sure this isn't the case in their countries. For many years we have called for an independent and longer term approach to UK infrastructure and it is great to see this finally bear fruit.”

“Bristol, Bath and the West of England, whilst underway with the delivery of considerable new infrastructure, still faces some significant infrastructure deficits and the need to plan and build for a growing economy and population. This stems from far too many years of underfunding. However as the second city in terms of economic performance we are best placed to show government and other investors how investment here would pay back real growth benefits for UK plc.  Examples of much needed investments are numerous: transforming Bristol Temple Meads Station, new investment into the transport system for the Bristol & Bath cities region, the extension and take up of digital connectivity and addressing our growing housing needs. The objective case for investment here is strong, and the new independent NIC should recognise this.”

However James Durie expressed concern that the initial focus of such a new independent Commission seems to just look at London’s transport needs and improving rail connectivity to the north of England. He said:

“It is worrying that the first focus of the independent Commission seems to be projects in London and the North.  Bristol, Bath and West of England seems potentially lagging behind other major English cities in progressing its devolution proposals. Our business community will rightly be expressing very strong concern if this appears to be having spill over effects on our ability to attract future infrastructure investment. This is a wake up call for our local and central government leaders to properly engage and ensure the growth needs of this area aren't fettered by inadequate infrastructure.”