The infrastructure priorities identified by a survey of more than 2,000 members of the public are led by renewable energy (43%), more house building (39%) and energy from waste plants (32%), according to a new survey published today.
Railways (31%), flood defences (30%) and major roads (30%) also scored significantly higher than nuclear power projects (19%), airports (8%) and coal and gas power stations (8%).
Independent survey of attitudes to infrastructure in Great Britain 2015 also found that while 87% of those surveyed support investment in infrastructure, only 6% think there is a “very well coordinated” national or local plan.
When asked what would increase confidence in the infrastructure sector, British people said community engagement (41%), consultation (30%), and leadership from politicians (25%) and technical experts (24%).
Thinking about the nation’s major infrastructure, how would you rate each of the following in terms of their current condition?
Source: Copper Consultancy, Icaro, Peter Brett Associates
The independent report, published by communications and stakeholder management adviser Copper Consultancy, research company Icaro and built environment consultant Peter Brett Associates (PBA), was launched yesterday by Lord Adonis, chair of the new National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), and Sir John Armitt, president of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a commissioner on the NIC.
Lord Adonis said: “This report is timely and vital. For too long the British people have been forced to put up with chaos, congestion and costs, thanks to successive governments’ failure to build the long-term infrastructure this country needs. So as we establish the independent National Infrastructure Commission, it is clear we have to utterly transform the way we plan and deliver major projects in this country.
“This survey shows that the public want proper investment and planning behind world class developments. But whilst the support is there for real improvement, people rightly demand proper engagement and genuine consultation.
“It is now up to the industry as a whole to take these findings forward and build the broad coalition of support we need to secure the projects of the future.”
Which of these infrastructure types, if any, would be your investment priorities for the country?
Source: Copper Consultancy, Icaro, Peter Brett Associates
Armitt said: “Public interest in infrastructure is as much driven by fear of disrupted lives as it is by a promise of greater convenience, speed or improved quality of life. The challenge for us all – ICE, government and the NIC alike – is to open up the debate and address these fears.
“Our ability to explain, in plain language, what we are trying to achieve and why, to be prepared to consider alternative solutions and to put ourselves in the public’s shoes, is absolutely vital if we are to gain sufficient political and public support, without which important projects simply cannot proceed.”
The report outlines a number of key recommendations, including:
- Develop a positive narrative – The public want to hear about future investment. There is a strong sense that the UK should be aspirational in its thinking about infrastructure.
- Demonstrate a strategic approach – The National Infrastructure Commission is well placed to explain the benefits of infrastructure but it is much more than that. It can take a joined up approach to infrastructure (including housing) and provide evidence about the benefits as a way of improving the quality of the engagement and consensus building.
- Engage – Two in three (67%) are interested in being involved in discussions about the future infrastructure needs of their area/region. People said that community engagement and consultation would increase their confidence.
- Lead – The public think there is a pressing need for leadership on infrastructure. There is also strong backing for input from technical experts which would increase public confidence. The National Infrastructure Commission is well placed to address this.
- Demonstrate balance – The research points to an unresolved tension between the national need and safeguards to protect communities and the environment. On the one hand, the public are concerned that the balance of power favours developers over local communities and environmental protection. On the other hand, there is a desire for less red tape and quicker delivery. The research also detects a noticeable perception that London benefits disproportionately from new investment – a view that Londoners reject.
