Commission calls for independent infrastructure body in Scotland

A report has called for an independent specialist body to prioritise the infrastructure needed in Scotland and develop a 30-year strategy.

The final report by the Infrastructure Commission for Scotland says such a body can help deliver an inclusive and net-zero carbon economy.

It argues that such an independent organisation would sit outside the political decision-making system and enable it to operate in an arms-length and transparent way.

This would also allow the body to challenge Scottish Government while also undertaking tactical public engagement to inform the long-term strategy.

The report also calls on the Scottish Government to enshrine the use by all stakeholders of the Place Principle which has already been proven to be an effective model when designing places within planning practice.

According to the commission, this would support the creation of sustainable places and help enable a ‘one public sector approach’ to infrastructure which is central to achieving the commission’s vision for a net zero carbon and inclusive growth economy.

‘Infrastructure has a vital role to play in the delivery of an inclusive, net zero carbon economy and COVID-19 has amplified the need for urgent action and change for economic, social and natural infrastructure,’ said commission chair, Ian Russell.

‘The commission is recommending that an independent, specialist body be given responsibility for providing government with strategic, long-term infrastructure advice and enshrining the place principle within planning practice.

‘Collaboration between the public sector and the construction industry is crucial and therefore establishing a construction accord between the public sector and the construction industry is another vital recommendation in the commission’s report,’ added Mr Russell.

The Scottish infrastructure cabinet secretary, Michael Matheson, added: ‘I am grateful to the Infrastructure Commission for their hard work – no doubt made more challenging in recent months – to produce this comprehensive second report on the delivery of infrastructure. We shall now take time to consider its findings very carefully.’

Photo Credit – Efraimstochter (Pixabay)