The UK Government has unveiled plans to create the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), a new body that will merge the existing Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) and the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC).
The move, announced by chief secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones MP, aims to enhance oversight and improve delivery of major infrastructure projects across the UK.
NISTA, set to be operational by spring 2025, will have expanded powers and a strong mandate to address past shortcomings in infrastructure delivery. The new authority reflects the government’s commitment to making infrastructure a key driver of economic growth.
A key aspect of the announcement is a second National Infrastructure Strategy to be published next spring, outlining 10-year plans for transport, energy, housing and social infrastructure. There are also efforts to unlock private investment, including the establishment of a National Wealth Fund backed by £7.3 billion in public money, with the goal of attracting three times as much in private finance. A streamlining of the planning process through a new Planning and Infrastructure Bill is aimed at simplifying and accelerating consenting for major projects.
The Association for Project Management (APM) has responded to the announcement with a briefing outlining key recommendations for NISTA’s success. According to the APM, critical steps to be taken in the next 12 months include running the merger as a transformation programme with dedicated leadership and a steering group, establishing a clear governance structure that integrates the IPA and NIC while recognising their distinct functions. There will be a review and streamlining of the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) to focus on high-impact, strategically aligned projects.