Urgent change in approach now needed for Scotland’s infrastructure

The Infrastructure Commission for Scotland (ICS) has presented Scottish Government with a 30-year infrastructure strategy (Key Findings Report – A blueprint for Scotland) with an emphasis on delivering an inclusive, net zero carbon economy. The first publication of its kind in Scotland, the strategy follows a period of extensive engagement with key stakeholders and organisations from across Scotland and beyond. It sets out eight overarching themes and 23 specific recommendations for Scottish Government to consider. The themes are: Future infrastructure decisions to be based on delivery of an inclusive net zero carbon economyIncreased emphasis on “place-based” infrastructureMaximise, broaden the use of and better maintain existing assetsAccelerate the decarbonisation of heat and transportDevelop appropriately devolved regulatory and pricing frameworksEscalate and expand access to digital and technology servicesImprove and extend public engagement to shape decision makingExplore options for long-term and independent infrastructure advice The global focus on climate change, together with Scottish Government’s own ambitious Net Zero Carbon target by 2045, have profoundly influenced the work of the ICS in the development of this 30-year strategy. Established less than a year ago to develop Scotland’s infrastructure strategy for the next 30 years, the ICS recognised net zero carbon and an inclusive growth economy as two overarching policies that were priorities on both a national and global scale. Therefore, the ICS placed these priorities at the heart of its objectives, marking a sharp shift from the overall policy convention of the last 50 years, which has broadly been aimed at maximising GDP. The next stage of the ICS’ 18-month programme will see the Commission provide guidance to Scottish Government on how best to consider the 23 recommendations set out in the strategy.