Sir John Armitt has been named as the new head of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC).
Sir John Armitt
Armitt takes over the role following the resignation of Lord Adonis at the end of last year, when he sensationally quit citing the government’s mishandling of Brexit and the Stagecoach/Virgin bailout.
As chair, Armitt will lead the commission as it publishes the first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment, looking at the UK’s long-term infrastructure needs up to 2050.
The commission’s current work also includes a new freight study and a Roads for the Future competition seeking ideas on how the country’s road network can be adapted for driverless cars.
Commenting on his appointment, Armitt said: “Making the right choices about planning and investing in infrastructure is critical to the UK’s prosperity and quality of life. I want the commission to remain focused on tackling the long-term issues of congestion, capacity and carbon – and to continue to hold the government to account where decisive action is needed – so we can secure the improvements that companies, communities and families need.”
His appointment was welcomed by civils contractors. Director of external affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Marie-Claude Hemming, said: “Sir John is ideally placed to lead the National Infrastructure Commission and will bring his unique expertise to the role at a crucial time, when the Commission is due to publish its first National Infrastructure Assessment.
“We look forward to working closely with the Commission under Sir John’s leadership, to not only identify the UK’s infrastructure priorities over the long term, but to ensure that our members and the wider supply chain are primed to deliver the world-class projects businesses and communities will rely upon in the coming years.”
