CEF Work in Progress – September Update
The Construction Employers Federation
(CEF) represents the interests of not only its member companies but
also those of roughly 65,000 skilled workers engaged within the wider
construction sector. CEF Managing Director, Mark Spence, discusses some
of the issues the Federation is currently working on.
MATERIALS AVAILABILITY AND PRICING CRISIS
Having initially raised the issue at Procurement Board in
February, repeatedly raised the profile of the issue in the press and
media, and subsequently written to all CoPEs and Executive Ministers
in May, CEF welcomed the publication of the Procurement Advisory Note
-01/21 Construction Materials Price Increases which was approved by the
entire Executive. The PAN is the most detailed government note to date
across the jurisdictions and is welcomed as a mitigation of the risk to
local businesses. CEF continues to work with CPD to develop practical
guidance to assist contractors and clients streamline the
implementation of the support on offer. We continue to update members
and government with regular updates on availability and price
rises which show no sign of abating for the remainder of this year.
NI PROCUREMENT BOARD
CEF continues to work on key priorities for Procurement Board, namely
review of Major Capital Projects, Supply Chain Resilience and developing
more robust work pipelines. The first new Procurement Policy Note from
this PB, Social Value in public procurement was launched in June and is
mandatory for all CoPEs. This will see a requirement in all over
threshold contracts for social value outcomes to be delivered and
measured.
CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
As a senior advisor to the CLC representing NI, CEF has signed up as a
CLC CO2nstructZero Task Force Partner to roll out emerging advice from
CLC to NI contractors. CEF’s CO2nstructZero member Task Force has met
with senior CLC representatives to discuss CLC’s guidance on carbon
reduction which is a key priority for the industry.
BUILD UK
CEF has raised with Build UK the continuing low level of
knowledge amongst GB manufacturers/ suppliers surrounding NI trade and
customs rules as well as the upcoming changes in product conformity
markings which risks further reducing choice of product for NI
businesses.
RESPONSE TO DFE ENERGY STRATEGY SUBMITTED
As two Bills are currently progressing through the Assembly with respect
to introducing Northern Ireland-specific climate change legislation,
it’s important that Government sets clear policy direction on our path
to net zero. The CEF therefore submitted a detailed response to DfE’s
recent policy options consultation on a new Energy Strategy for Northern
Ireland. Due for publication by Christmas, the Strategy will consider
key areas such as household retrofitting as well as incentive/grant/loan
schemes for home owners. A key skills opportunity for the industry, the
Strategy will also complement the proposed upgrade in new build
Building Regulations which are due to be subject to initial consultation
in the autumn.
HOUSING SUPPLY STRATEGY CALL FOR EVIDENCE
In mid-July the CEF responded to the DfC Housing Supply Strategy Call
for Evidence. Although not due for final publication until early 2022,
the Strategy looks to set a clear policy course for the development of
new build housing over the coming 10-20 years with particular focus on
ensuring affordable housing is delivered both as part of and separate to
traditional private-led schemes. Further consultation with DfC on the
emerging Strategy is scheduled for the autumn.
DFI ROAD BOND REVIEW
A decade on from an Assembly Regional Development Committee report on
unadopted roads, DfI are now taking forward a long-awaited review of
Road Bonds in Northern Ireland. An initial engagement was held with DfI
in mid-summer with a period of consultation with members now underway.
DRAFT SKILLS STRATEGY PUBLISHED
With a return date of 19th August, the DfE consultation on a new
Skills Strategy recently went live. Members welcomed the opportunity, on
17th August, to engage with CITB on this and look forward to being a
key part in the development of a new Strategy which is likely to be
ready in its final form come late autumn.
A PACKED LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
As we move into the final session of the 2017-22 Assembly, MLA’s
and committees will find themselves spending most of their time
dealing with a raft of legislation, particularly Private Members Bills,
that need scrutinised and, predominately, approved by dissolution at the
end of March. Key for the CEF in this will be the Budget for 2022-23
which would need approved before dissolution and will be a major test of
political will going into May’s election.