National Infrastructure Commission wants £43bn spent on public transport
The National Infrastructure Assessment has finally been published seven months after it was initially due to be released.
The report, which has been published by the National Infrastructure Commission, aims to set out a long term vision for high quality, good value, sustainable infrastructure for the UK. It also aims to establish a clear plan on how to achieve it.
The Commission, which is chaired by Sir John Armitt (pictured), sets out a number of proposals including £43bn of long-term transport funding for regional cities, preparing for 100% electric vehicle sales by 2030 and half of the UK’s power being provided by renewables by 2030.
The report also focused on providing transport and housing within cities, saying: "Government and cities need to act now to ensure that space in cities is used effectively, with room allocated for fast, frequent public transport systems, well-connected and affordable housing, and pleasant public spaces.
"This will require a new approach to governance, strategy and funding."
It said metro mayors and other city leaders should develop integrated strategies for transport, employment and housing.
The report said: "Housing and infrastructure should be planned together. These integrated strategies should be backed up by stable, substantial, devolved funding. And for the cities that face the most severe capacity constraints, and with the most potential for growth, there should be additional funding to support major upgrade programmes, which would be agreed between the cities and central government."
The report also said that development of regional cities should be in addition to, rather than instead of, continuing investment in London.
The next assessment will be carried out in five years' time.
The full report will be published later today.
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