The new chair of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has identified tackling carbon emissions as one of his priorities.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond announced that John Armitt, who was previously deputy chair of the NIC, has been appointed permanent chair of the body, which advises the government on infrastructure priorities.
The post has been vacant since the end of last year when Lord Adonis quit in protest at the thrust of the government’s Brexit policy and its handling of the East Coast main line railway franchise.
Armitt is a former chief executive of Network Rail, president of the Institution of Civil Engineers and chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, where he played a key role in coordinating the 2012 London games.
A member of the commission since its establishment in 2015, he will lead the publication of its first National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA), which looks at the UK’s long-term infrastructure needs up to 2050. Consultation closed last week on the draft NIA, which called for an accelerated roll out of low carbon generation.
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.
“I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners and listening to our stakeholders as we set out the way forward for the UK’s infrastructure.”
Hammond said: “Sir John Armitt brings years of experience of UK infrastructure. With him at the helm, I am confident we will develop a strategic and ambitious infrastructure plan that supports economic growth for decades to come.”