Category: Government
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BWF CEO: We are united against ‘dumbing down’ of apprenticeships
Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), tells CM People why industry leaders are coming together in response to the government’s proposed apprenticeship reforms. Last month, an open letter addressed to the prime minister made headlines as a powerful coalition of construction industry leaders and professional bodies warned that government-backed reforms to apprenticeship…
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Government calls for employer insights to combat illegal working
Alex Norris, minister for border security and asylum, said: “These legislative amendments will restrict the ability of rogue employers to take advantage of illegal workers and encourage businesses to provide work opportunities to those permitted to work in the UK. View the original article and our Inspiration here
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New measures announced to tackle London’s housing crisis
Emergency interventions to unlock housebuilding in the capital have been set out by the housing secretary and mayor of London. The measures, which are subject to consultation, aim to fast-track the planning process for sites with at least 20% affordable housing. According to a government statement, the proposed measures will “tackle squeezed viability, including the…
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Construction coalition slams proposed apprenticeship reforms
The letter refers to plans to “shorten the minimum duration of an apprenticeship to just eight months”, as well as plans to mandate “a new end point assessment (EPA) that favours a shorter, high-level assessment plan over the current final, impartial stage of an apprenticeship”. View the original article and our Inspiration here
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Government must learn from HS2 ‘disaster’, PAC chair warns
Former Transport for London commissioner Mike Brown has been appointed as HS2 Ltd chair and will work alongside chief executive Mark Wild to deliver a programme reset, including reviewing the costs and schedule, renegotiating HS2’s large construction contracts and reviewing HS2 Ltd’s skills and structure. View the original article and our Inspiration here
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UK planning bill changes aim to unshackle ‘stubborn’ system
The government has proposed a series of new measures it hopes will turbocharge planning and infrastructure delivery across Britain. The amendments to the landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill could become law later this year if ministers vote them through. If passed, the bill will give ministers new powers to issue ‘holding directions’ to stop councils…
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Energy efficiency scheme failures slammed in damning NAO report
In addition to these issues, in November 2024, Ofgem estimated that businesses had falsified claims for ECO installations in approximately 5,600 to 16,500 homes, potentially claiming between £56 million and £165 million from the energy suppliers operating under the scheme. View the original article and our Inspiration here
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SME homebuilders are in ‘real danger’, HBF says
Unpredictable delays, rising costs and new levies could push SME home developers out of the market, according to a new report. The report, Planning for Small Sites, has been published by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Quantum Development Finance, using analysis from planning and development consultancy Lichfields. According to the findings, SME homebuilders are facing…
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Thousands of new homes approved after four-year delay
A landmark agreement between government, regulators and industry has resolved a four-year pause on housing developments in West Sussex. The delivery of 21,000 new homes had been delayed due to concerns about the protection of local wetlands and wildlife. Building work had been halted since 2021 due to concerns over the amount of water being…
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Gateway 2 ‘roadblock’ risks 1.5m homes pledge, warns CPA
The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) has warned that the government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes is at risk unless it fixes severe delays at Gateway 2, the approval system for higher-risk buildings. Gateway 2, introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022, requires developers to secure approval from the Building Safety Regulator before work…