Infrastructure challenges under the spotlight
Challenges around infrastructure in Greater Birmingham beyond 2050 were outlined at a round-table with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).
The meeting was with the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), which provides the government with impartial and expert advice on infrastructure priorities across the country.
Every five years it undertakes a National Infrastructure Assessment, providing costed recommendations to the government on how to prepare the country 's infrastructure for the challenges of 2050 and beyond.
Following publication of its Baseline Report last November, the Commission is currently researching what will be included in the second assessment, due to be published next year.
As part of the process, the NIC is meeting with businesses across the country to understand the specific infrastructure requirements for each region
The event was hosted at the offices of GBCC patron Mills & Reeve and other participants, including National Express, Pinsent Masons, Openreach and Kier.
NIC chief executive James Heath stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue and the need to build a long- term consensus in order to confront the challenges we face in relation to net zero and levelling up the country.
GBCC head of policy Raj Kandola, said: “We were delighted to be joined by the National Infrastructure Commission for a lively discussion on the fundamental infrastructure challenges our region faces as we emerge from the pandemic.
“A range of topics were covered such as tackling urban congestion, decarbonisation in key industries and investment in digital infrastructure along with a frank conversation on how the government will be expected to facilitate these changes given the fiscal constraints they are facing as a result of Covid-19.
“As a Chamber, we will use this initial discussion as a springboard to build a longer-term relationship with the commission and will be consulting with members on the next assessment which is due to be published next Autumn. ”
Pictured: Looking ahead to 2050: The meeting hosted at Mills & Reeve.