Further action is needed if the government is to succeed on delivering its election pledges on infrastructure, according to Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission.

In his Plan for Change speech yesterday (5th December), the Prime Minister, Kier Starmer, set out a government commitment to approve 150 development consent orders (DCOs) for major infrastructure projects over this Parliament.

In response, National Infrastructure Commission Chair Sir John Armitt said:“Signing off 150 development consent orders is a huge undertaking, but essential given the sheer magnitude of transformative infrastructure the country needs: at least 17 major electricity transmission projects to deliver clean power by 2030 and ramped up renewable generation; at least nine major water storage and transfer programmes to keep the taps running; and progress on major projects like East West Rail and Lower Thames Crossing to speed up the country’s transport networks.

“Government’s chances of success will depend on turning its early commitments into sustained action to jump start a lethargic planning system and ensure it becomes a tool for progress rather than an anchor on UK growth. For starters, that means giving the Planning Inspectorate the additional resources it will need to deal with the increased throughput of projects.”

The Commission’s second National Infrastructure Assessment published in October 2023 included a recommendation for government to develop a central coordination and oversight mechanism, reporting to the Prime Minister or the Chancellor, with measurable targets for reducing consenting times for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs); it also recommended the development of a framework of benefits for communities hosting major infrastructure.

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