BWF welcomes new Government Construction Strategy

The document is produced by the new Infrastructure & Projects Authority (IPA).  It updates the Treasury’s earlier strategy published in 2011, and sets out how central government departments – collectively, the construction industry’s largest customer – will deliver £1.7 billion in efficiencies and support 20,000 apprenticeships over the course of this parliament.

The strategy sets out ambitions for smarter procurement and greater productivity in central government, fairer payment, improving digital skills, embedding BIM, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing the public sector’s capability as a construction client.

These themes are also consistent with the wider ambitions in the joint industry and government strategy, 'Construction 2025', which relates to both public and private sector, and is being delivered through the Construction Leadership Council.

Iain McIlwee, chief executive of the BWF, said:

"We're delighted to see that the Construction 2025 approach has not been cast aside and there is ongoing commitment to the core themes and solid thinking that we can all rally around.

"This strategy indicates that the Government is listening. There is a sensible focus on better supply chain collaboration and early engagement of suppliers. Fair payment is also intrinsic – this is essential to help the supply chain overcome the bullying tactics that are inherent in the way we are currently forced to work.  

"It is also encouraging for the timber sector to see front and centre a drive for whole-life approaches to cost and carbon reduction across the construction, operation and maintenance of public sector buildings.  

"The mood music is right for skills too, highlighting the need to address the age imbalance that exists across the sector.

"The Government now needs to turn words into action and work with industry to decide where there is need to lead, to regulate and to encourage. Collaboration between us is essential to ensure our construction industry is not just fit for the future, but the envy of the world."

The BWF has been lobbying for some time for improvements on key issues such as payment practices, recognition of whole-life performance and embodied carbon, and apprenticeships, and has been building much closer working relationships with Westminster and the devolved governments. Keep updated at: www.bwf.org.uk/news/latest-news

To read a copy of the new Government Construction Strategy click here
 

ENDS