Sometimes this requires national level decisions: we are advising the Government on a new integrated rail plan to improve connectivity and trade between Greater Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham, alongside the strategic need to support housing and new infrastructure across the Oxford, Cambridge and Milton Keynes arc.
But those in power also need to devolve multi-year budgets to more local leaders to improve transport, and work with cities to identify major projects to alleviate congestion in our fastest growing places. While the pandemic may change some transport patterns, our largest towns and cities still need the resources to help unlock jobs and promote economic growth.
An uncertain short-term outlook need not be the enemy of a long-term strategy.
Boris Johnson’s administration has set ambitious goals on net zero and levelling up. Infrastructure has a critical role in helping to meet them.
Now we need to see a national long-term strategy and detailed plans for delivery – so that public and private sectors can work together to prepare the UK for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Sir John Armitt is chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission