The UK needs to invest in infrastructure if it is to maintain a high standard of living, an industry expert has warned.

KPMG's Richard Threlfall said the Institution of Civil Engineers' (ICE) recent state of the nation report represents "a challenge to all our political parties ... to grasp the nettle now and invest for a 21st century society".

He stated that failing to provide an adequate response could mean poorer standards of living for future generations.

Mr Threlfall added the ICE study supports Sir John Armitt's proposed Infrastructure Commission, which calls for a national transport strategy and prioritisation criteria between infrastructure schemes.

The ICE report revealed some areas of the UK's infrastructure are not well-placed to deal with future challenges such as flooding.

It was particularly critical of the country's transport network, rating it D minus or 'at risk' - the lowest score awarded. This was partly due to a decline in local roads maintenance due to spending cuts.