New ‘national infrastructure agency’ formed

After weeks of uncertainty chancellor Philip Hammond has announced that the National Infrastructure Commission is to become an executive agency and said it will be seeking a new permanent chair.

The agency will help plan, prioritise and ensure efficient investment and be given its own budget, freedom and autonomy, which is set out in a charter. The commission will come into force in January 2017 with Sir John Armitt acting as interim deputy chair.

The government said it would also be looking to extend the number of board members which, as with a new chair, will be selected in an open competition. 

The chancellor said he would now kick-start talks with stakeholders for ideas for the Commission’s next in-depth study, following successful reports which identified the benefits of Crossrail 2, transforming northern connectivity and smart power.

The next study is set to be announced later in the year.

The move follows weeks of uncertainty over the future of the Commission after it was omitted from a Bill to put the body on a statutory footing and in the week that transport secretary Chris Grayling confirmed that the government is committed to pressing ahead with HS2 to tackle the looming capacity crisis the rail network faces and to help boost jobs and regeneration along the line of the route and across the country. Construction is due to begin on the scheme in the first half of next year.

Hammond said: “Today I have set out how we are putting the National Infrastructure Commission at the very heart of our plans to ensure Britain’s infrastructure is fit for the future.

“It will independently define our long-term infrastructure needs and help prioritise, plan and ensure value for money as this investment creates a modern Britain – fit to take on the world.”

Lord Adonis, interim chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “The National Infrastructure Commission was established to transform the way we plan and deliver major infrastructure projects in this country through expert analysis, long-term thinking and strategic advice.

“Today’s announcement is a big step towards providing the Commission with the independence it needs to do the work. Now it is vital that we get the details right to ensure that the NIC has everything it needs to get on with the job.‎”