Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Commission detailed research and set out expected economic growth from airport expansion.
Recommendation
Before formally agreeing any airport expansion plans, the Government should: (Recommendation, Paragraph 14) 1) Commission more detailed and serious research into the net economic benefits. (Recommendation, Paragraph 15) 2) Clearly set out what level of growth to the UK economy it expects. This should be broken down into both individual and cumulative airport expansions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 16) 3) This should be done in a timely fashion to allow effective scrutiny of its plans and opportunities for challenge before a final decision is made. We recommend that the Government sets out in its response to this report how it will do this. (Recommendation, Paragraph 17)
Government Response Summary
The government refers to its commitment to develop updated analysis on the economic impacts of Heathrow expansion as part of the ANPS review. It also states that any promoter must demonstrate compliance with ANPS requirements and that the Making Best Use policy for other airports will be reviewed for fitness for purpose.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth. As set out in response to Recommendation 1, as part of the ANPS review, the DfT will develop updated analysis on the economic impacts of expansion at Heathrow. Any promoter will need to demonstrate how it complies with the requirements set in the ANPS as part of its DCO application for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. The existing Making Best Use (MBU) policy provides policy support for airports beyond Heathrow making best use of their existing runways, subject to related economic and environmental considerations being considered. As part of any update to the ANPS, the DfT will consider whether changes are also required to MBU to ensure it remains fit for purpose.