National Infrastructure Commission seeks views on infrastructure shocks

The National Infrastructure Commission last week launched a consultation to gather views as part of its new study into the resilience of the UK’s infrastructure network. The study, commissioned by chancellor Philip Hammond, will examine what actions the government should take to ensure the UK’s infrastructure can cope with future changes, disruptions, shocks and accidents – from everything from increased risk of flooding due to climate change, to ever-increasing dependencies on digital technologies.

Responses to the consultation will help inform the development of a new framework to consider resilience across economic infrastructure, which will then be used during development of the next National Infrastructure Assessment.

Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission Sir John Armitt said: “Whether it’s how we get to work, how we heat and light our homes or how we keep in touch with friends and family, our infrastructure services have become increasingly sophisticated and increasingly interdependent. Our latest study will examine how best to ensure that our infrastructure systems are fit for managing shocks or disruptions they might face.

“We want to hear from those across the public and private sectors, and researchers, about the priorities and the questions that the framework we’re developing should seek to address, and the barriers to developing resilient infrastructure that our study should seek to overcome.”

The consultation runs until 1 April 2019.

• Also last week, the NIC’s Young Professionals Panel (YPP) set out details of its first project. The panel will research how generational shifts are altering demands on the UK’s infrastructure network, focussing on the trends associated with Millennials and Generation Z (those born between 1981 and 2012). The investigation will examine how young people will affect demand for transport, housing, energy, water and waste services in the coming decades – and how this will differ from the way their parents and grandparents may be using critical infrastructure. The panel will seek the views of young people from across the country, starting with those already working in the infrastructure sector.