The UK government is changing how it manages infrastructure by establishing the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). This new authority merges the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) and the Treasury’s Infrastructure & Projects Authority (IPA), meaning the NIC will no longer operate independently.
The NIC was created in 2015 to provide impartial advice on the UK’s long-term infrastructure needs. However, its influence has diminished, with key projects like portions of HS2 and energy initiatives facing delays or cancellations. This has raised concerns about how effectively the NIC was able to keep politics out of infrastructure decisions.
The new changes aim to enhance infrastructure management efficiency while still utilising the NIC’s expertise. Although the NIC is no longer active, its former members will serve on an advisory council for NISTA, but the workings of this council remain unclear.
In a recent speech, Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the Treasury, emphasised the need for improved project management in government and acknowledged the NIC’s strategic insights along with the IPA’s role in delivering significant infrastructure projects. Despite these updates, the government still confronts challenges ahead in executing its infrastructure plans.
