(8 years, 1 month ago)
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The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Hands)
Today I announce the publication of the Government’s response to three reports by the National Infrastructure Commission on pressing infrastructure challenges facing the country.
“Smart Power”, published on 4 March, sets out a plan to ensure that supply and demand are balanced as efficiently as possible in the energy system, and the Government welcome the report as an opportunity to transform the future of the UK’s electricity sector:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-power-government-response-to-the-national-infrastructure-commissions-report
“Transport for a World City”, published on 10 March, sets out priorities for future large-scale investment in London’s public transport infrastructure, and the Government welcome the report as an opportunity to support London’s continued growth through strategic, long-term investment in infrastructure:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transport-for-a-world-city-government-response-to-the-national-infrastructure-commissions-report
“High Speed North”, published on 15 March, is a plan to transform the connectivity of the northern cities, and the Government welcome the report as an opportunity to help drive forward the Northern Powerhouse:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-speed-north-government-response-to-the-national-infrastructure-commissions-report
The National Infrastructure Commission was announced in October 2015, to provide expert independent analysis of the long-term infrastructure needs of the country. The commission has been operating in shadow form since then.
At Budget 2016, the Chancellor confirmed that the Government have accepted the commission’s recommendations in its recently published reports. Copies of the documents will be deposited in the Libraries of both Houses.
The Government have recently consulted on the structure, governance and operation of the commission, and propose to introduce legislation to put the commission on a statutory footing.
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