A proposed National Infrastructure Commission (NICfW) for Wales should be expanded and strengthened, if it is to achieve its potential, says a National Assembly for Wales committee.
The Welsh Government is proposing to establish the NICfW later this year. If approved, the commission will be responsible for devising and advising on long term plans for things like Welsh roads and railways, energy supply, and internet provision.
After taking evidence from a range of organisations – including infrastructure bodies in Australia – the Assembly’s Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee is recommending changes to strengthen the body, increase its independence and expand its remit.
Key recommendations include:
- The NICfW should be established without delay, but with a presumption that legislation will follow to enhance its independence and stature;
- The proposed remit should be expanded to also include the supply of land for strategically significant housing developments and related supporting infrastructure; and
- The NICfW should be covered by the Well-being of Future Generations Act.
The Committee has also made recommendations to enhance the independence of the body. These include recommending that the organisation be based outside Cardiff, in a value for money location and sharing premises with another public body.
Another recommendation is that the chair of the commission should be subject to a pre-appointment hearing before an Assembly Committee.
Russell George, Chair of the EIS Committee said: “The Cabinet Secretary’s vision of an independent expert body which can de-politicise contentious decisions that have far reaching consequences is compelling.
“To achieve that the NICfW will need to be able to bring genuine technical expertise, co-ordination and a long-term view to the way we plan infrastructure in Wales.
“This is a considerable challenge – but an achievable one. We hope our recommendations will provide a basis for the swift establishment of a truly independent Commission that – once strengthened by legislation – can ensure Wales develops the essential infrastructure we all rely on for a prosperous 21st century nation.”
Mr George stressed the importance of relationships with key partners to ensure its work is complementary to that done by existing organisations.
He added: “The successes of the organisation will be built on how well it can develop those relationships, with the UK NIC, with Welsh Ministers, with regional and local authorities and also with the Future Generations Commissioner and Natural Resources Wales.”