“The National Infrastructure Commission is a new, independent body which will look broadly at long-term infrastructure needs and provide impartial advice to ministers and Parliament. We plan on conducting studies and will publish advice to the government before the 2016 Budget on three areas:
- northern connectivity, particularly identifying priorities for future investment in the north’s strategic transport infrastructure to improve connectivity between cities, especially east-west across the Pennines
- London’s transport system, particularly reviewing strategic options for future investment in large-scale transport improvements – on road, rail and underground – including Crossrail 2
- energy, reviewing how the UK can better balance electricity supply and demand.
For each of these studies, we will engage with the relevant Government departments, regulators and delivery organisations, including Network Rail, TfL and the National Grid, as we develop our thinking. We are also keen to gather evidence and ideas from local government, businesses, service providers, users and others to support and shape this work.” Read more here.
Lord Adonis said: “We have seen great steps forward in the north’s infrastructure, including Airport City in Manchester and the new deep-water port in Liverpool. This Call for Evidence will support the Commission to make the infrastructure of the north greater still.’”
Questions for Connecting Northern Cities
“In line with the published terms of reference regarding future investment in the north’s transport infrastructure, the Commission is seeking to establish the extent of existing evidence regarding likely growth and connectivity requirements across the north of England. The questions that the Commission are particularly keen to focus on in this initial phase of work are:
1. To what extent are weaknesses in transport connectivity holding back northern city regions (specifically in terms of jobs, enterprise creation and growth, and housing)?
2. What cost-effective infrastructure investments in city-to-city connectivity could address these weaknesses? We are interested in all modes of transport.
3. Which city-to-city corridor(s) should be the priority for early phases of investment?
4. What are the key international connectivity needs likely to be in the next 20-30 years in the north of England (with a focus on ports and airports)? What is the most effective way to meet these needs, and what constraints on delivery are anticipated?
5. What form of governance would most effectively deliver transformative infrastructure in the north, how should this be funded and by whom, including appropriate local contributions?
In answering these questions it may be particularly helpful to make reference to international experience and, where possible, data relating to transport accessibility, regional trade flows, and regional business networks.
It would also be beneficial for respondees to indicate the available evidence to support the points made, and also to highlight gaps in the evidence base.”
Read more here.