Infrastructure industry begins call for evidence on independent 'national needs assessment'

The 'National Needs Assessment' will be based on evidence gathered during a UK-wide consultation exercise, as well as research and analysis by the expert panel. A final report is due to be published in October 2016, and will set out "a vision for UK infrastructure up to 2050" which will be used to inform the work of the independent National Infrastructure Commission (NIC).

The panel is being chaired by Sir John Armitt, president of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and one of the UK's 'National Infrastructure Commissioners'. It also includes representatives from Pinsent Masons, the law firm behind Out-Law.com; the CBI; KPMG, and  the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

"The experience and outputs of the National Needs Assessment will be invaluable in helping the National Infrastructure Commission to develop its thinking as it prepares to undertake its first National Infrastructure Assessment," said infrastructure law expert Richard Laudy of Pinsent Masons.

"The National Needs Assessment will ensure that a wide range of views is canvassed with all major stakeholders engaged. This level of engagement will strike at the heart of the issue of the UK's ailing infrastructure, and will directly assist the Commission as a key input to its National Infrastructure Assessment work," he said.

The NIC, chaired by former transport secretary Lord Andrew Adonis, was set up to take a long-term look at the UK's infrastructure needs and to provide independent advice to ministers and parliament. Once fully established, it will be required to publish a National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA) in every parliament setting out its analysis of the UK's infrastructure needs over the next 10 to 30 years. The government will be required to respond formally to the NIC's recommendations.

The commission will also be asked to carry out specific studies into pressing and significant infrastructure challenges as part of its work. It is due to make recommendations to the government ahead of the 2016 Budget on its three initial priority areas of work: transport connectivity in the north of England, London transport and balancing electricity demand and supply.

"The UK lacks a coherent infrastructure strategy, which is why the formation of the National Infrastructure Commission is such a positive step forward," said Richard Laudy.

"The strategy needs to be informed by independent, evidence-based analysis by the NIC. The long-term, strategic approach to infrastructure planning as initially advocated by the Armitt Review in 2013, is crucial to the future of our national infrastructure. In essence, a culture change is required in the UK as to how we plan for our infrastructure needs and the NIC could be the driver behind that change," he said.

The panel's final report will review different options for meeting the UK's infrastructure needs, taking into account affordability, public acceptability and environmental obligations. It will also set out the interventions needed by government and industry to make these options happen. It will take into account factors including climate change, population growth and the impact of technological 'game changers' when making its recommendations.