Green Homes Grant opens for business today to help homeowners upgrade their homes and save up to £600 a year on their energy bills Tenants also benefit from the new measures, with consultation launched on upgrading private rental properties by 2028 as well as new scheme for social housing New
Martin Riley FIQ, senior vice-president of Tarmac, has been appointed the 69th President of the Institute of Quarrying (IQ), taking over from previous president Phil Redmond FIQ. The new President was officially confirmed at the Institute’s AGM, which took place via videoconference on 22nd September 2020. Martin says: “I’ve been
The project profession is at the forefront of change, but needs to continually develop skills to stay relevant Association for Project Management (APM) has released the findings of its year-long conversation with the project profession in its latest Projecting the Future1 report, The Adaptive Project Professional. The report, which draws on contributions
On Thursday 10th September 2020 the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) successfully staged its National Annual General Meeting (AGM) online for the first time in its 48-year history, with members agreeing to vote for all propositions. Members were invited to join some of BALI’s Landscape House team and Executive
Costain Group took this month’s top spot in the contractor league tables after being appointed the contractor for two major road projects. A new SMART motorway on the M62 at Brighouse and widening works on the A1 in Newcastle- upon-Tyne with a combined value of £575 million. In the runners
CHAS, the supply chain risk management experts and the National Federation of Builders (NFB) have renewed their commitment to promoting high operating standards within the UK construction industry. Under the latest agreement discounted membership of CHAS will give NFB members the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to operating in line with
Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) is today calling on students with a passion for innovation and disruption to help lead the charge for change in the construction sector. CSIC is looking to galvanise forward-thinking attitudes by launching its Built Environment Innovation MSc Fund 2020-21, calling on prospective students who want
Parliamentary Taskforce will investigate key opportunities and challenges facing UK suburbs. The cross-party Suburban Taskforce has today launched a public ‘Call for Evidence’ to help chart a course towards a suburban renaissance across the country. The Taskforce draws politicians from both Houses of Parliament to review evidence of the state
Too many buildings are unsafe, and too many residents feel trapped in their homes says chief executive Mike Robinson The chief executive of the British Safety Council has today written to the Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher, to ask the government to act to remove unsafe cladding from tower blocks. Three
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is looking to gather insights into how the Facilities Management sector is reacting during this challenging situation and would be very grateful to receive your input if you could find the time. Given the current environment, some extra questions related to the impact
Green Homes Grant opens for business today to help homeowners upgrade their homes and save up to £600 a year on their energy bills Tenants also benefit from the new measures, with consultation launched on upgrading private rental properties by 2028 as well as new scheme for social housing New work will be created for accredited tradespeople in green construction, supporting 100,000 jobs across the UK £3 billion plan to upgrade buildings an essential part of building back greener from coronavirus and reaching net zero emissions by 2050 Homes, schools and hospitals across England are set to be greener and cheaper to run thanks to a £3 billion plan to upgrade the nation’s buildings – the biggest in a generation. Starting today, homeowners can sign up for big savings on upgrades to their homes under the government’s £2 billion Green Homes Grant, with an additional £1 billion announced to improve the energy efficiency of publicly owned buildings. The Green Homes Grant scheme will see the Government fund up to two-thirds of the cost of home improvements up to £10,000, to make over 600,000 homes more energy efficient. Those homeowners with low-incomes, including those on certain benefits, are eligible for a grant covering up to 100 per cent of the cost of works up to £10,000. Grants will be offered to cover green home improvements ranging from insulation of walls, floors and roofs, to the installation of double or triple glazing when replacing single glazing, and low-carbon heating like heat pumps or solar thermal – measures that could help households save up to £600 a year on their energy bills. It will cut people’s energy bills and carbon emissions, whilst also supporting over 100,000 jobs in green construction for local plumbers, builders and tradespeople across the UK. The launch of the Green Homes Grant forms part of a wider plan to upgrade the nation’s buildings expected to support an additional 120,000 jobs, which also includes: £1 billion to boost the energy efficiency of public buildings, including schools and hospitals through a Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund New measures to ensure nearly 3 million privately rented homes are upgraded to modern energy efficiency standards by 2028 £50 million to improve the energy efficiency of social housing Business and Energy Secretary Alok Sharma said: “Our plan to upgrade the nation’s buildings and help build back better is good news for jobs, the environment and people’s back pockets, as we reduce emissions and help cut energy bills. “I urge everyone to visit the Green Home Grants website to see how they can make the most of this fantastic scheme.” Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “We promised to support jobs and protect the environment – and the Green Homes Grant delivers on this. We’re giving homeowners, landlords and local authorities the funding they need to hire local tradespeople and make our homes more energy efficient. By supporting the green van men and women, we’ll save money, save jobs and save the planet.” £500 million of the of the Green Homes Grant scheme has been assigned for local authorities to provide green home improvements for households with an income of under £30,000. Tenants will also benefit from the Government’s plan to boost energy efficiency thanks to proposals for the private rental sector, published today. The improvements will be achieved by raising the energy performance standard of privately-rented properties, with landlords having to ensure homes meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C requirements. These could save nearly 3 million homes an average of £220 a year on their annual heating bills and lift up to 900,000 low income households out of fuel poverty. The plans could also support 90,000 jobs in the energy sector annually. Costs will be capped at £10,000 and landlords can take advantage of the Green Homes Grant to fund the necessary improvements. The private rental sector measures are being phased in to limit the disruption to both landlords and tenants, with improvements having to be implemented for new tenancies from 1 April 2025 and for all tenancies by 1 April 2028. In a further boost, the Government is making £50 million available for social housing through a demonstrator project for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF). This UK-wide demonstrator scheme will see grants supplied to upgrade the energy efficiency of over 2000 of the worst-performing social homes. It is estimated that those living in upgraded properties will save between £300 and £500 on their energy bills each year. As well as helping meet the country’s net zero emissions target, the SHDF Demonstrator will support up to 3200 jobs in the green energy sector. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will help public sector organisations in England, including central government departments and their agencies, local authorities, schools and NHS Trusts, to install energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures, reducing energy bills and carbon emissions. Installations under the PSDS are expected to support up to 30,000 low-carbon jobs. Today’s energy efficiency plan forms part of the Government’s wider efforts to ensure the UK meets its legally binding target to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and build back greener from coronavirus. Over the past decade, the UK has cut carbon emissions by more than any similar developed country. In 2019, UK emissions were 42% lower than in 1990, while our economy over the same period grew by 72%.
Martin Riley FIQ, senior vice-president of Tarmac, has been appointed the 69th President of the Institute of Quarrying (IQ), taking over from previous president Phil Redmond FIQ. The new President was officially confirmed at the Institute’s AGM, which took place via videoconference on 22nd September 2020. Martin says: “I’ve been involved in the aggregates industry all my working life. I have been a proud member of the Institute of Quarrying for almost four decades. It is a fantastic opportunity to represent IQ at such a critical time for both the industry and our members, as we enter a post-pandemic economy. “As a proud former industry apprentice, for me, one of the key motivational factors for taking on the role of IQ President is the opportunity to ‘make a real difference’ within the field of education, training and professional development. I hope to use my position to better engage with younger members and attract potential ones by raising awareness about the rewards of working in the quarrying and mineral extractives sector and breaking through the misconceptions that jobs are mainly for men. “The growth of IQ in the past few years has been impressive and shows how important the industry considers education, training and professional competence. So, it is a huge honour to be the new IQ President and I am more excited than ever to be playing my part in the Institute’s ongoing development and look forward to championing the needs of the sector at every opportunity.” With more than 35 years’ experience in the quarrying and construction materials sectors, and a proud member of IQ since the 1980s, Martin is widely recognised within the industry and brings significant extensive knowledge and operational leadership experience to the IQ Board of Trustees, having served as the Institute’s chairman from 2018 until September this year. Martin ‘takes over the chains’ from outgoing president, Phil Redmond FIQ. He says: “Holding the honour of President of the Institute of Quarrying has been the highlight of my career in the industry. I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown. “To be able to hand the chains of office and the Presidency over to Martin Riley is such a great thing for me; he has been a solid support to me for many years and I am very grateful. His experience and standing in the industry are unrivalled and I can’t think of a more fitting person to hold the office of President of the Institute of Quarrying. Congratulations Martin, I wish you the best of luck.” James Thorne, Chief Executive Officer, IQ, adds: “It’s a pleasure to have Martin on board as the new President of the Institute of Quarrying. He is no stranger within the industry with many years’ of experience and is highly respected by those working in it. He is passionate about the mineral extractives sector and a highly driven individual. Already he is enthused with many exciting and innovative ideas so I am sure he will leave his mark during his two-year tenure.” The role of President follows two years’ service as deputy chair and then Chair of the Board. The role is visible leader of the organisation for both the members and the external world. Representing and promoting the work of the IQ both in the UK and working in partnership with the Presidents from the affiliated Institutes on the international stage. The AGM also confirmed the appointment of Viv Russell FIQ, Managing Director of Longcliffe Quarries Ltd as its Chairman and Ben Williams FIQ, Directeur de la Zone Europe Nord at EPC Groupe as Deputy Chairman. IQ also welcomed two new trustees to the Board: Dave Bagshaw FIQ, recently retired Managing Director of Midland Quarry Products and Ruth Allington MIQ, Principal at Allington Collaborative Problem Solving Ltd.
The project profession is at the forefront of change, but needs to continually develop skills to stay relevant Association for Project Management (APM) has released the findings of its year-long conversation with the project profession in its latest Projecting the Future1 report, The Adaptive Project Professional. The report, which draws on contributions from APM members, project professionals and external organisations, sets out a series of ideas and insights to help shape the future of project management. It also highlights that now is the time to focus on the ‘adaptive’ project professional. The adaptive project professional must be able to adapt in an era of unprecedented technological, social and environmental change. As the project profession will be at the heart of creating and delivering such change, adaptability is key. Adaptive professionals are characterised as being responsive to the shifting contexts in which they work, having the right skills set, continually learning, able to utilise new technology, engage with stakeholders, highly proficient communicators, leaders and managers of their project teams. The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated how adaption is so important in keeping up with the pace of change, from the building of the NHS Nightingale hospitals, the Ventilator Challenge, the government’s furlough scheme, and the race to find a find a vaccine for Covid-19 – and project professionals have been at the heard of making these innovative changes happen. As the report also highlights, the project profession will need to respond and adapt quickly to the other major challenges facing the world including climate change and the transformation of the economy by new technological advance. Tim Banfield, chair of the Projecting the Future group which oversaw the debate said: “Project management already plays a pivotal role in the changing world and contributes an estimated £156.6 billion2 of gross value added to the UK economy. Moving forwards, adaption will be vital, both in how we help organisations adapt, delivering successful projects, and in how we adapt ourselves, continually developing and evolving our skills and behaviours to keep pace. “The report sets out eight ideas to support a more adaptive profession3, one which will be centre stage in the effort to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic and adapting to the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution, climate change and increasing human longevity.” Debbie Dore, chief executive of APM, added: “The ideas and recommendations presented in the report are a result of APM listening to our members, and conversations about some of the most profound changes under way in our economy and society. Although we continue to face very challenging circumstances, the project profession should face them with confidence. Projects are how change happens and have played a vital role in the crisis response and will be every bit as important in reshaping, reviving and rebuilding the economy. “Adaptive skills are essential, and it’s important for today’s professionals to take learning and training seriously, right the way through their careers. As the chartered body for the profession, APM continues to offer a range of qualifications and training to support a successful career in project management.” Other core ideas to emerge from the report range from a need to build the profession’s talent pipeline, from starter to chartered: providing new routes into the profession both for young entrants, and for more mature professionals and mid-career changers. Hand in hand with that, there is a need to strengthen the culture of professionalism through life, supported by employer commitment to training and an ambitious new policy framework that caters for learning at all stages of life. The Projecting the Future debate also demonstrates the desire of project professionals to have a more influential role in shaping the strategy of projects. Projects are how change is delivered, and so they are critical to strategy, and need to be a bigger part of strategy development across all industry sectors. Promoting the profession and building its impact is also highlighted in The Adaptive Professional report, continuing to champion the importance and influence of the profession as an agent of change across the economy and society. The full The Adaptive Project Professional report can be found at www.apm.org.uk/projecting-the-future/ Read APM’s blog: Why it’s time for the adaptive professional
On Thursday 10th September 2020 the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) successfully staged its National Annual General Meeting (AGM) online for the first time in its 48-year history, with members agreeing to vote for all propositions. Members were invited to join some of BALI’s Landscape House team and Executive Board Directors, including, at the time, National Chairman Matt O’Conner and Vice Chairman Richard Kay, alongside Honorary Treasurer Richard Stone and Chief Executive Wayne Grills, for a 150-minute webinar which included over 60 minutes of presentations that followed the formal meeting. The event ran smoothly, with just under 40 members attending live on the day utilising sound technology that BALI invested in well before COVID-19 which allowed members to virtually cast their all-important votes on crucial Association matters. Some members who had sent apologies were still able to vote by proxy and their votes were received before the meeting and therefore included in the total counts. These included the adoption of the financial accounts for the year ending 31st March 2020 and the election of existing board directors who had offered to stand for re-election, including Design Director & Sustainability Director Rosemary Coldstream MBALI, a Registered Designer member of BALI, Governance Director Paul Downer of Registered Contractor Oak View Landscapes and Commercial Contracts Director Stuart Simpson of Registered Contractor Ashlea, who were all successfully re-elected. Long-serving Director Robert Field of Registered Contractor Robert Field Landscapes, who had previously held the position of National Chairman, decided to stand down from his duties on the board and did not seek re-election. BALI’s board of directors and the team at Landscape House extend their gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Robert for his support and guidance over the numerous years he has served. Next on the agenda was the acceptance of the director’s recommendations to appoint a National Chairman, Vice Chairman, Honorary Treasurer and Immediate Past Chairman. Richard Kay of Registered Affiliate Green-tech was successfully made National Chairman of the Association, replacing Matt O’Conner of Registered Contractor John O‘Conner Grounds Maintenance who was officially made Immediate Past Chairman. Nigel Bowcock of Registered Contractor Acre Landscapes was made Vice Chairman and Richard Stone of Registered Contractor Bawden Managed Landscapes will resume his role as Honorary Treasurer. The AGM culminated with the appointment of Adrian Wickham of Registered Affiliate Oracle Solicitors who has now joined BALI’s board of directors. Commenting on his appointment to the board, Adrian said: “I’m really proud to have been elected to join the BALI board. I can’t wait to get involved and to support the industry. Thank you to everyone who supported me.” On Twitter, Pete Jones of Registered Contractor Land Design Partnerships said: “Congratulations Adrian, a fantastic addition to the BALI board of directors, good luck in your new role.” Commenting on this year’s event, Wayne Grills said: “On behalf of the board of directors we are incredibly proud of the team at Landscape House for successfully hosting our first live AGM in this format. Members were impressed by the way in which the event was presented and took little time to comment on social media on how well it had gone. Although I missed the interaction with members in the room, I felt we managed to retain the essence of what an AGM is all about, giving our members a voice and a vote on their Association; how it’s run, who it’s run by and what our future direction should be. I would also like to thank Matt for his support and guidance over the last two years and congratulate Richard and Nigel for becoming Chair and Vice Chair respectfully. Finally, I would like to congratulate Adrian for his appointment to the board, a welcome addition of which we all approve.” Following the formal AGM, three speakers were invited to present, including the Royal Horticultural Society’s Director of Gardens and Shows Helena Pettit, Managing Director of Registered Affiliate Ecosulis Cain Blythe and Jason Pollock, Plant Health Regulation Lead and Trade Adviser from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Helena provided an update on the RHS’s plans for 2021. Cain focused on the subject of rewilding, which saw Registered Designer Jilayne Rickards MBALI say: “This is inspirational. Such a great speaker. I would like more information on how garden designers can help introduce rewilding in small urban garden settings” whilst Rachael Booth from Registered Affiliate Water Gems (Alba) added: “Great presentation, looking forward to having a chat with Cain after the AGM as we’re also working on a project called ‘Rewilding Roborough Fields’ in Devon so this couldn’t be better timed.” The final presentation was carried out by Jason whose comprehensive and detailed overview of the plant passporting regulations were well received.
Costain Group took this month’s top spot in the contractor league tables after being appointed the contractor for two major road projects. A new SMART motorway on the M62 at Brighouse and widening works on the A1 in Newcastle- upon-Tyne with a combined value of £575 million. In the runners up spot this month is Bowmer & Kirkland with eight awards totalling £138 million. A new primary and secondary academy in Enfield provided £45 million of the total. The scheme is part of the Government Free School Initiative and will provide education facilities for over 2,000 children. The latest edition of the Top 50 League Tables published by industry analysts Barbour ABI, highlights the number and value of construction contracts awarded during August. This month shows that the combined value of contracts awarded to the Top 50 was just over £2.6 billion with a total of 130 projects. For August, Kier Construction were the busiest contractor with a total of 14 contract awards at a combined value of £108 million. BAM Construction sit at the top of the rolling 12-month league table with 51 projects at a total value of £1.9 billion. Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Barbour ABI & AMA Research said, “The value of contracts picked up by top contractors fell back in August to £2.6bn from £3.9bn in July. This fits with our expectation of subdued activity due to the uncertainty caused by the possibilities of subsequent outbreaks of Covid-19, a disruptive Brexit and a wider economic slowdown. However, the construction market is retaining some momentum after the slump during lockdown, and there are new projects coming through, although at lower levels compared to before Coronavirus.” Download the full report here: https://ubm.io/2WBolhM
CHAS, the supply chain risk management experts and the National Federation of Builders (NFB) have renewed their commitment to promoting high operating standards within the UK construction industry. Under the latest agreement discounted membership of CHAS will give NFB members the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to operating in line with high safety, sustainability and ethical standards via CHAS’s third party accreditation packages. CHAS membership will also mean they are eligible to be assessed to the construction industry’s new Common Assessment Standard which CHAS was the first accreditation body to offer following its launch in 2019 and which is now is being specified by employers including HS2 and the Crown Commercial Service. Under the agreement CHAS will offer all valid NFB members a 20% discount, for both new and existing/renewing contractors. NFB Contractors will be visible within the CHAS client portal upon order purchase and/or accreditation, making their profile visible to over 1500 CHAS Clients. NFB will provide CHAS accredited contractors up to 10 % discount when joining the NFB and for subsequent renewals which will give them access to a growing range of benefits including training support and business services. Ian McKinnon, Managing Director of CHAS comments: “We are delighted to be renewing this important partnership which will help construction firms of all sizes demonstrate compliance and build their businesses. Both CHAS and the NFB have gone from strength to strength since we first joined forces in 2018 so it is exciting to be able to bring an even greater range of benefits to our respective memberships.” Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, says: “We are very happy to be renewing this agreement with CHAS which will help our members’ businesses prosper while opening up a range of benefits to CHAS members.” About CHAS: CHAS is the leading provider of risk prevention, compliance and supply chain management services for clients and contractors. Since 1997, CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) has been helping to improve health and safety standards across the UK and safeguard organisations from risk. CHAS is an authority and trusted advisor on health and safety compliance, responsible for setting industry benchmarks and providing the new Common Assessment Standards. CHAS’s aim is simple: To standardise and simplify health and safety assessment for contractors To support organisations in efficiently managing their supply chains To deliver a full suite of supply chain management tools.
Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) is today calling on students with a passion for innovation and disruption to help lead the charge for change in the construction sector. CSIC is looking to galvanise forward-thinking attitudes by launching its Built Environment Innovation MSc Fund 2020-21, calling on prospective students who want to play a part in tackling climate change, to take the lead on significant technical advancements in the construction world and to be involved in finding that one simple creative idea that can completely transform the way the sector operates. From the rise of 3D printing, allowing companies to print out entire buildings, to virtual reality software being used in the planning stages of construction, the opportunities for creative and disruptive thinking students are endless and successful innovation enables businesses to punch above their weight. It saves time and money. It breeds new opportunities. And, ultimately, it can give companies a competitive edge when looking to grow. There are up to 20 places, each with £6,530 funding available, to help support candidates who are looking to carve a career and look to change the future of the built environment sector. The grant will encourage new talent into Scotland’s construction landscape and to apply, CSIC is asking that students have an interest in bringing a creative thinking solution to the built environment sector and that they can support and work on a research project during their programme of study that can be applied directly to the industry. Stephen Good, Chief Executive at CSIC, said: “Some of the most important solutions and innovative ideas come from those on the ground. Creating this opportunity for the future innovators of the construction world to develop their ideas is key to changing the sector. This is an exciting opportunity for students to be part of real transformational change together with industry, helping to set a new direction post lockdown as we build back better to create a built environment that works effectively for people, business and our economy. “Construction and the built environment are changing, and the skills needed are wide ranging, including digital, climate change logistics, engineering, design and robotics. The demand for skilled professionals in the industry sector remains high and the opportunities are countless. The MSc funding offers people a real opportunity to create a career that positively impacts everyone through the physical spaces we inhabit.” Dale Johnstone, who benefited from CSIC’s MSc grant in 2016/17, said: “I would encourage anyone interested in developing their skills and prospects of a career in the built environment sector to apply for the MSc Grant on offer from CSIC. The access to industry experts within the sector was incredible. “I was partnered with the Scottish Borders Council as part of their Engineering and Design department and after the programme secured a full-time role at the Council. This new role allowed me to be a part of several civil engineering projects across the Borders, from the design stage right up to construction. I take great pride in being able to provide projects which have significant benefits to the local community and which continue to improve and shape the world we live in.” Students can apply with an industry partner already in mind or CSIC can help find a partner from the wide network of contacts the Innovation Centre already has. During the programme, students will work closely with their chosen industry partner and have access to a number of skilled mentors, workshops and the chance to connect with experts across the sector. To find out more, visit https://www.cs-ic.org/innovationcentre/future-skills/the-built-environment-innovation-msc-fund/
Parliamentary Taskforce will investigate key opportunities and challenges facing UK suburbs. The cross-party Suburban Taskforce has today launched a public ‘Call for Evidence’ to help chart a course towards a suburban renaissance across the country. The Taskforce draws politicians from both Houses of Parliament to review evidence of the state of Britain’s suburbs and then make recommendations to the Government on policy initiatives to enhance them. The Taskforce, which is co-chaired by Dr Rupa Huq MP and David Simmons MP, aims to support the long-term sustainability of suburban areas. It was announced in March 2020, following a commitment by Jake Berry MP (formerly Minister of State for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth) that the Government would consider its recommendations. The Taskforce will seek to identify national trends but, in first phase, have particular regard to London. When identifying solutions, it will pay attention to current circumstances (social, economic and environmental) as well as policy tools available (taxation, investment and the planning system). It will be supported by UCL’s Bartlett School of Planning, the All Party Parliamentary Group for London’s Planning and Built Environment, and an expert Advisory Board. Commenting on the launch of the Taskforce’s Call for Evidence its Co-Chair of the Taskforce, Dr Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central & Acton stated: “Our Suburbs are the home of the majority of our population and at risk of being overlooked and neglected. It is net curtains for representatives who ignore the plight of suburbia; the majority of those in parliament represent precisely such constituencies.” “The traditional vision of the Suburbs as an ideal balance between town and country is being challenged conceptually, visually and operationally. Suburbs have been considered unproblematic and left by themselves under the pressures of austerity and are now facing the problems of inequality and underfunding whilst still being under pressure to expand or intensify.” “This Taskforce draws those from all political backgrounds to focus on the suburbs, seeking to understand what ‘suburban’ really means in modern Britain. Now, as we emerge from a pandemic which may well redefine our relationship to the places in which we live, work and play is the right time for that.” Chair of the Advisory Board, Jonathan Manns, added: “The recent pandemic has reminded us of the importance of our suburbs and the Taskforce is a key step towards giving these areas the attention they deserve to ensure they are sustained and enhanced in the future.” “I wish to encourage those from all backgrounds, whether individuals or organisations, whatever their experiences or expertise, to actively support this important work and respond to this ‘Call for Evidence’. The more data and perspectives received, the more effective the Taskforce can be in considering the issues and opportunities facing these crucial parts of our towns and cities.” Academic Advisor, UCL’s Dr Lucy Natarajan, commented: “The purpose of this consultation is to hear from suburban areas about the challenges and opportunities facing them. This is vitally important to the Taskforce, in order to work towards a shared understanding of the unique situations facing suburbs in the UK today and what this means for achieving aspirations of equality.” www.suburban-taskforce.org
Too many buildings are unsafe, and too many residents feel trapped in their homes says chief executive Mike Robinson The chief executive of the British Safety Council has today written to the Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher, to ask the government to act to remove unsafe cladding from tower blocks. Three years on from the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower it is estimated that 60,000 are living in homes with Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding similar to that which caused the fire and led to the deaths of 72 people in June 2017. Yesterday in the House of Commons, in a debate on Flammable Cladding Removal in the House of Commons, MPs lined up to demand action from the housing minister. The debate was secured by Labour MP Rushanara Ali. According to government figures, 155 of the 455 high-rise buildings identified as covered in ACM have had cladding removed, leaving 300 with dangerous cladding still in place. In his response the minister said that the government’s building safety programme will ensure that high-rise buildings are safe and that unsafe ACM must be removed from all high-rise residential buildings, at no cost to leaseholders. The minister conceded that “even with public funding available, the pace has been much too slow.” The government has promised that it will shortly publish the draft Building Safety Bill, described by Mr Pincher as “a once-in-a-generation change to the building safety regime.” Speaking from his home today Mike Robinson, the chief executive of the British Safety Council said: “I have today written to the housing minister to ask for an update on action to remove cladding from high-rise residential buildings. The statistics on the building safety programme are shocking. There are still 300 high-rise residential and publicly-owned buildings with the same flammable cladding which caused the fire at Grenfell Tower. I agree with his recent comments in parliament that the pace of progress has been far too slow.” He went on to say: “I am afraid that politely asking building owners to “do the right thing”, to remove cladding and not to pass the costs onto their leaseholders has not worked. Attempts to empower local authorities to enforce replacement of cladding have also failed – not least because years of underfunding of councils and the HSE mean that even if the will is there to step in, the resources simply are not there. We all want the same outcome – let’s get on with it!” About the British Safety Council The British Safety Council believes that no-one should be injured or made ill through their work. Since its foundation in 1957, the British Safety Council has campaigned tirelessly to protect workers from accidents, hazards and unsafe conditions, and played a decisive role in the political process that has led to the adoption of landmark safety legislation in the UK. Its members in more than 60 countries are committed to protecting and improving the wellbeing of workers, believing that a healthy and safe work environment is also good for business. As part of its charitable work, the British Safety Council leads health and safety networking forums for all sectors, facilitates and promotes best practice in Britain and overseas. It also offers a range of services and products, including training, qualifications, publications, audits and awards. The British Safety Council works closely with organisations, charities and individuals who share its vision of ensuring that every worker goes home at the end of the day as healthy as they were when they went to work. We would be grateful if you could use British Safety Council in full rather than abbreviating to BSC when quoting our organisation. British Safety Council’s networks: Website: www.britsafe.org Twitter: www.twitter.com/britsafe Facebook: www.facebook.com/britishsafetycouncil YouTube: www.youtube.com/britishsafetycouncil LinkedIn group: www.linkedin.com/company/british-safety-council Safety Management: https://sm.britsafe.org
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is looking to gather insights into how the Facilities Management sector is reacting during this challenging situation and would be very grateful to receive your input if you could find the time. Given the current environment, some extra questions related to the impact of Covid-19 have been added at the end of the questionnaire and feedback here would be especially useful. The aim of the survey is to capture sentiment towards key issues across the FM sector such as: changes in demand, business confidence, skills shortages, expected areas of growth, attitudes towards sustainability, investment in technology and resources allocated to training/apprenticeships. Complete the questionnaire online.
