Sir John Armitt has today (18 January 2018) been appointed the
permanent Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission
(NIC),
where he will provide strategic advice to ensure the UK has the
long-term infrastructure it needs to thrive.
Having served as a Commissioner since the NIC was
established in 2015 and last year being appointed Deputy Chair,
Sir John Armitt is a familiar face to the Commission.
With a background in engineering, Sir John Armitt’s expertise in
infrastructure and major project delivery is extensive.
He has a proven track record of working at the forefront of UK
infrastructure in positions that included the 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 Olympics.
He was awarded a CBE in 1996 for his contribution to the rail
industry and a knighthood in 2012 for his work in engineering and
construction.
Announcing the appointment, the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
, said:
Boosting productivity is essential to sustaining real wage
growth. And investing in infrastructure is one of the keys to
raising our productivity performance.
The National Infrastructure Commission’s expertise is vital for
ensuring the UK’s infrastructure is fit for the future. 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.
Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission Sir John Armitt
said:
I’m delighted to have been appointed as the Chair of the
National Infrastructure Commission as we prepare for the
publication of our first National Infrastructure Assessment
later this year.
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.
Replacing who resigned from the position
at the end of last year, Sir John Armitt takes charge of
the NIC’s exciting
programme of work, with the first ever National Infrastructure
Assessment due out this summer. The assessment will take a
long-term view of Britain’s infrastructure needs and make
recommendations to the government on how best to meet them.
First set up in 2015 and established permanently in January 2017,
the NIC is an
executive agency which helps plan, prioritise and ensure
efficient investment in Britain’s infrastructure. It provides
government with strategic thinking to address the UK’s long term
infrastructure needs.
