Public wants strong leadership on infrastructure projects says new report

Almost nine out of 10 people in Britain want to see investment in new infrastructure – but many also want more of a say in how it’s planned and delivered, according to a new survey published today.

The “Independent survey of attitudes to infrastructure in Great Britain 2015” finds that many people feel that infrastructure projects happen ‘to them’, not ‘for them’ and they do not see any local or national coordination.

The report, published by Copper Consultancy and Icaro in partnership with Peter Brett Associates (PBA), says that 87 per cent of those surveyed support investment in infrastructure, and 85 per cent want to see world-leading or solid improvements to existing infrastructure.

However, only six per cent of British people think there is a ‘very well co-ordinated’ national or local plan.

"Our ability to explain – in plain language - what we are trying to achieve and why, to be prepared to consider alternative solutions and to put ourselves in the public’s shoes is absolutely vital if we are to gain sufficient political and public support, without which important projects simply cannot proceed" - Sir John Armitt

When asked what would increase confidence in the infrastructure sector, British people said community engagement (41 per cent), consultation (30 per cent), and leadership from politicians (25 per cent) and technical experts (24 per cent).

The report was  launched today (7 December) at the Institution of Civil Engineers where  ICE president Sir John Armitt spoke about the importance of involving the public and building a consensus around the need and benefits of infrastructure.

"This survey shows that the public want proper investment and planning behind world class developments. But whilst the support is there for real improvement, people rightly demand proper engagement and genuine consultation," he said.

Sir John focused on the fear of disruption caused by imminent infrastructure work. “Public interest in infrastructure is as much driven by fear of disrupted lives as it is by a promise of greater convenience, speed or improved quality of life," he said.

"The challenge for us all – ICE, Government and the NIC alike - is to open up the debate and address these fears. Our ability to explain – in plain language - what we are trying to achieve and why, to be prepared to consider alternative solutions and to put ourselves in the public’s shoes is absolutely vital if we are to gain sufficient political and public support, without which important projects simply cannot proceed.”

Copper Consultancy director Linda Taylor said: “British people want infrastructure. They believe we can deliver it and can see the benefits when it happens. But they want to see a plan, they want to see how it all fits together, they want to be involved and they want to see more leadership. The new National Infrastructure Commission is a great start, but the hard work starts now.  We need to explain and open up the infrastructure debate to the Great British public.

“The majority of people want to know how they can get involved in infrastructure in a more direct way. When the benefits of a project are made clear, people sit up and are proud of what we can achieve such as the Olympics, transport projects in towns and cities and major engineering projects.”

According to Peter Brett Associates chairman Keith Mitchell the public understand the need for infrastructure as a way of supporting sustainable economic growth. "But the public feels that major projects happen to communities, rather than for them. Effective political and technical leadership and meaningful engagement and consensus building are essential to unlocking projects.”

The report contains five recommendations to Government:

1. Develop a positive narrative - as a counterbalance to bad news or austerity statements. There is a strong sense that the UK should be aspirational in it's thinking about infrastructure with 23% thinking the country should aim for world class infrastructure and 62% wanting solid improvement even if requires more investment.

2. Demonstrate a strategic approach - there is a common perception that decisions aboutinfrastructure are not joined up or co-ordinated. The National Infrastructure Commission can explain the benefits of infrastructure but it can also be seen to take a joined up approach for example on housing.

3. Engage - the focus group work suggested that early engagement with the public is critical to building confidence and avoiding the sense that decisions are a done deal.

4. Lead - the public think there is a pressing need for leadership on infrastructure and there is also strong backing for input from technical experts which would increase public confidence. The NIC is well placed to address this, the report said.

5. Demonstrate balance - the research pointed to unresolved tension between the national need and safeguards to protect communities and the environment.