MINISTERS have been urged to set up an independent body outside of politics to advise on Scotland’s infrastructure needs.
The creation of a new specialist organisation is one of the key recommendations from the Infrastructure Commission for Scotland.
It also called for a “construction accord” to be drawn up between public bodies and the sector. The commission said there is a need to “develop a more coherent and less fragmented approach to skills development and training in Scotland, which is more sharply focused on the needs of the construction sector – both in the immediate and longer terms”.
It has also recommended a registration scheme be set up for all apprenticeships in Scotland, saying this could raise the profile of careers in the construction industry “as well as helping to promote and support the delivery of quality in the sector”.
The commission was set up by the Scottish Government to look at the country’s infrastructure needs and challenges over the next 30 years.
Its first report, published in January, focused on the desire to create an “inclusive net-zero carbon economy” but also warned difficult choices will need to be made to achieve this.
To help towards this, it said there needs to be an “independent long-term advice organisation” that sits outside of the political system.
The report recommended that by 2021 a new independent specialist body should be set up to develop a 30-year infrastructure needs assessment and strategy, which would then be refreshed every five years.
Ian Russell, chairman of the Infrastructure Commission for Scotland, said: “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.
“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.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel