31/10/10
but not as we know it. National Infrastructure Plan 2010, launched this week by HM Treasury and Infrastructure UK, sets out to make four sectors and science attractive to private investors.
The launch itself was part business briefing (150 suits in a room), part prayer meeting ("enthusiasm unbound" from all suits and sides). This is just as well as the aim - urgent need even - is to source £200 billion across energy, transport, digital communication, water and waste in the next five years.
Water UK passed on the invitation to "Come on down" and bear witness, but is unequivocal in support for a fresh focus on investment that is as important for quality of life as it is for economic recovery.
Of course it helps that the success of the water industry regulated asset model was publicly recognised at the launch and is in the plan itself as a potential way forward for other sectors.
Nothing is straightforward, however. Just as the model it has developed is winning golden opinions from all sorts of people for delivering substantial capital at low cost in good times and bad, the regulator is arguing for radical change to an untested alternative.
