SPRING STATEMENT: Industry Response

Robbie Calvert, the RTPI’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs

 “Planning reforms are at the heart of the Government’s growth plan. The acknowledgement from the Office for Budget Responsibility that planning will be central to increasing the UK’s economic activity over the coming years is encouraging.

“But, while reforms are important, more could be unlocked by investing in planning itself. Our research has found that planning reform and increased housing development could miss out on over £70 billion in additional value by not investing in planning. We won’t achieve the economic growth this country desperately needs if we don’t significantly invest in the planning system.

“Beyond this forecast, there will be additional ambitions for planning services resulting from the implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and local government reform.

“Planning consents can’t do this alone, we need to ensure that the entire construction industry is geared up to deliver on this scale.”

Matt Gregory, Senior Vice President of Voice & Mobility at Infios 

“The importance of supply chain agility and resilience has been placed in sharp focus in recent months – amidst the looming threat of trading tariffs and rising price inflation. As the government works to improve fiscal performance, they once again have neglected to specifically address how they aim to improve the state of logistics in the UK. This is despite its huge effect on the strength of the economy, continuing the flow of goods and materials and helping to meet planned infrastructure projects.”

“Fortifying the logistics sector,  including pledges on infrastructure projects, requires specific investment. While £600M has been promised for construction training, there is a lack of clarity on how the government plans to support the wider supply chain – including ensuring that materials are available, and that the broader logistics sector has access to the skills it requires. The government needs to define what action it is taking to reduce the associated costs with cross-border trade – whether a reduction in red tape or other reductions in business rates.”

Karl Horton, chief data officer at BCIS (Building Cost Information Service)

“There wasn’t much in the Chancellor’s statement for the construction industry to rely on over the coming months, especially with the OBR halving its 2025 growth forecast since the Autumn Budget.

“It’s interesting that the government is now talking about getting ‘within touching distance’ of its housing target after months of the industry outlining why it was so unlikely 1.5 million new homes was possible, though the £2 billion additional investment in social and affordable homes is welcome.

“Elsewhere, the already-announced £625 million investment to train up to 60,000 skilled construction workers over the next four years is still insufficient to replenish the workforce lost since before the pandemic.

“While making the industry more attractive to new workers isn’t solely the government’s responsibility, firms have little incentive to expand their workforce and invest in training while economic uncertainty persists.

“Unfortunately, investment and funding decisions are subject to ongoing volatility, with the threat of tariffs and escalating trade tensions hanging over the UK.”

Dr Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU)

“Today’s Spring Statement was largely concerned with macroeconomic issues – the top notes of which focused on defence, welfare and public sector reform. But, at LGIU, we know that much of what was announced today will have a potentially significant impact on local authorities and the communities they serve.

The halving of the health-related part of universal credit was already known, but the fact that this reduced provision will then be frozen for the rest of the parliamentary term is news. A large number of the most vulnerable people in our communities will be impacted by these cuts – the DWP estimates up to 3.2 million families. Inevitably – it will be councils that will have to find the resources to support them and pick up the pieces, putting further strain on already stretched council budgets.

However, there were some bright spots for councils. Several areas and local authorities will receive boosts to their local economies – thanks to the large increase in defence spending. This is to be hugely welcomed for those regions. Likewise the OBR’s projection that we are on track for 1.3 million of the promised 1.5 million houses by the end of the parliamentary term is very positive news.

Housing, planning and skills are foundational for local government, so it was good to hear them feature prominently in the Chancellor’s speech. However, it was not clear how central councils actually are in the Chancellor’s plans for delivery, which is very concerning. These are policies that can only be successful if they are designed and delivered to fit local circumstances and that can only be done in partnership with local government.

From a local government perspective – the elephant in the room today was the fact that the shape of local governance is changing and changing fast with the introduction of mayoral strategic authorities and local government reorganisation. There was no indication anywhere in today’s Statement of a connection between the measures announced and the proposals – already well in train – for devolution and reorganisation.

The Chancellor left a great many questions deferred for local government – with councils left waiting for the answers.”

Alex Till, Chairman of National Enterprise Network

“The Chancellor has effectively abandoned start-ups and small businesses in this Spring Statement. Enterprise Agencies across the country have become vital hubs for new businesses seeking support, advice and funding assistance. However, over the past year, funding for these agencies has virtually disappeared or has been reduced, with no indication from the Chancellor about future support. As a result, Enterprise Agencies are being forced to reduce operations, severely impacting the support available for new businesses. Combined with the upcoming increase in employee National Insurance, living and minimum wage and the new employment rights bill, this all represents a significant blow to the small business community,”

Andrew Orriss, CEO at STA (Structural Timber Association)

“Today’s announcements follow a positive start to the year for structural timber with February’s ministerial approval of DEFRA’s Timber in Construction Roadmap (TiC), highlighting a strategic commitment to leverage timber as a key material in our built environment.  Additionally, the Government’s recently introduced Plan for Change, recognises the pivotal role of sustainable construction in driving economic growth and addressing climate challenges.

“There can be no doubt that increasing the use of structural timber and offsite manufacturing is one of the most effective ways of ensuring the rapid and high-quality delivery of these vitally needed homes, while also meeting urgent decarbonisation obligations.

“The Structural Timber Association remains dedicated to working collaboratively with government, industry partners, and stakeholders to drive a transformative approach to construction that meets our economic, social, and environmental objectives.”

Brian McArdle, Managing Director Gleeds UK

“The Chancellor’s first budget raised taxes by £41.5bn and, while we did not expect this second to reverse them, what she did need to do was restore confidence to those operating in the built environment who currently feel dispirited, unsure and under-confident. The news of £600m worth of investment to train up to 60,000 additional skilled construction workers as well as a Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) which will benefit from £20m is to be welcomed, but there was nothing in today’s statement to buttress investor confidence. It’s certainly not jam today it is jam tomorrow and any jam available seems to be being spread over an ever-widening piece of toast. This was not a statement that will empower investors. It was a fingers-crossed approach from a Chancellor being driven by the markets, rather than the other way round.”

Viki Bell, Director of Operations at the Construction Equipment Association (CEA)

“Labour’s ambition to fix the planning system and unlock housebuilding is positive in principle – and the OBR’s suggestion that reforms could take us to a forty-year high in delivery is encouraging. However, much of what was discussed today has already been announced, and there was very little new information for the construction equipment sector.

The commitment to build 1.3 million homes and bring the target within ‘touching distance’ of 1.5 million is ambitious, and we continue to monitor this pledge. The £600 million to train 60,000 construction workers and set up ten technical excellence colleges is a step in the right direction, and we will work to ensure this is delivered and aligned with industry needs.

Our members need practical support – clear timelines, a stable pipeline of work, and a commitment to UK manufacturing. Construction Equipment is key to these deliverables, as is the battle against equipment theft, which is a clear strategic threat to these ambitious growth plans.

The good news was no further tax rises – but the sting for businesses came earlier this year, with increased national insurance. The real test will be the autumn budget.

Tim Balcon, CEO at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

“Despite navigating an uncertain world, the Chancellor’s Spring Statement this week has been accompanied by two significant announcements for the construction industry. Firstly, the £600 million package for construction skills to catalyse the Government’s homebuilding target. Second, the £2 billion investment into affordable homes to accelerate delivery

“As part of the construction skills package, CITB is providing £32 million to support the Government’s aim to fund over 40,000 industry placements each year. Additionally, we’ll be doubling the size of our New Entrant Support Team that helps make finding, recruiting and retaining an apprentice or new entrant easier for employers.

“The Government’s continued support for the construction industry through increased investment in construction skills is extremely welcome. As an industry, we need to collectively grasp this opportunity and be better at shouting about what a fantastic industry this is, the prospects it can offer people, and attracting people into pursuing a career in construction. I genuinely believe this is a once-in-a-generation chance to us to recruit and train our workforce – equipping more people with the skills they urgently need now and in the future.

“The Government aims to build 1.5 million new homes and approve 150 major infrastructure projects by the end of the decade – indeed, plans for Lower Thames Crossing were approved earlier this week. The opportunities aren’t just on the horizon, they’re in the here and now.”

Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns for Propertymark

“The Spring Statement had a clear focus on the vital role housing plays in the UK economy and as part of the UK Government’s plan for growth, so it is encouraging to hear that planning reforms will boost national income. However, workforce challenges remain and it’s vital that local councils have the resources required to deliver effective planning and infrastructure so communities up and down the country and the wider economy really benefit.”

Allan Wilen, Glenigan’s Economic Director

“The Spring Statement is hardly a game-changer for construction, but no news is good news. Developers have been waiting on the sidelines, and if confidence returns, we could see a surge in project starts. Glenigan data shows that £129 billion worth of projects have secured planning approval over the past year, and many of these schemes could now break ground.”

Iain Halls, Partner at Ceres Property, commented:

“Our new Labour Government was quick to put its stake in the ground with respect to new housing delivery, setting what many saw as an overly ambitious target of 1.5m new homes by 2030.

Despite widespread scepticism over the ability to meet such targets, it’s clear that the fresh slate of a new government had a positive impact on the construction sector, with a notable uplift in construction output for both new public and private housing materialising in the months that followed.

However, it certainly seems as though Labour’s first budget since 2010 has derailed the positive momentum building across the construction sector, with output levels falling in the months since.

Whilst it could be argued that there’s a seasonal element at play here in the run up to Christmas, the budget itself was considered a largely negative one for the construction industry and its impact is likely to be felt long beyond the closing months of 2024.

The general consensus is that despite some announcements on infrastructure investment, Labour simply didn’t go far enough in addressing the more prominent issues such as rising material costs and supply chain issues. At the same time, Labour’s hike to National Insurance Contributions has been a bitter pill to swallow, reducing the appetite for recruitment and further straining the labour shortage.

Of course, there are additional factors impacting construction output that have been at play for far longer than those announced via the Autumn Budget. Perhaps the most significant is the bottleneck being caused by the building regulations implemented since the Grenfell tragedy. Whilst wholly necessary, we’ve seen delays with respect to remediations on existing developments and, in turn, this has caused a log jam for any new developments over seven stories in the last two years.

If Labour is to meet its target of 1.5m new homes over the next five years, it certainly needs to do more to stimulate the industry that will help them to achieve it and investing in more skilled construction workers is, at least, a step in the right direction.”

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Sternfenster Streamlines Window Deliveries with Podfather Software.

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Sternfenster, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of uPVC and aluminium windows and doors, has boosted customer service whilst reducing its environmental impact using logistics software from Podfather. Electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) features have eliminated hundreds of thousands of pieces of paper from the delivery process and have reduced the back-office admin resource by around 5,000-man hours a year.

 

“Prior to Podfather we relied on paper pick lists, manifests and delivery notes,” commented Scott Pedge, Transport Manager at Sternfenster. “This resulted in up to 600 sheets of paper per day, and took half a day to produce, allocate to drivers, and process on their return to base. We did have early stages of digitisation, with on-board computers linked to our bespoke scanning solution, but this was not integrated to other parts of the production, delivery, invoice process.”

 

Serving hundreds of customers, ranging from one-man operators to its network of approved installers, Sternfenster makes between 400 and 500 deliveries in an average week. From its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Lincoln, its fleet of 18-tonne truck and trailer units cover most of England operating from Exeter to Margate, and Portsmouth to Leeds.

 

Using Podfather, which includes logistics planning, route optimisation and proof of delivery (POD) functionality, Sternfenster has virtually eliminated paper from its delivery operation. Windows and doors are scanned onto each truck, in accordance with the daily schedule, and the driver, having first completed a routine of Podfather guided vehicle checks, simply logs into the app to access details of the first delivery.

 

Live tracking gives customers and back-office staff real-time visibility of progress as it unfolds, and, once on-site, the driver unloads, scanning each unit off the truck, as per the Podfather schedule. In addition to the scanned information the driver also captures date and time stamped photographs and signatures as further evidence of delivery. The automation has boosted customer service with real-time visibility and reporting, resulting in fewer customer queries.

 

“One of the most important factors when selecting a partner was the ability to work with our existing systems and processes,” Scott Pedge continued. “Podfather were about the only company willing to have this conversation and, since day one, has supported us as we have rolled the solution out across our operation.”

 

Brent Tromp, Customer Operations Manager at Sternfenster, added

“Not only has Podfather reduced our reliance on paper and routine admin tasks, it has really improved our customer experience. Using Podfather, customers can access live information about when their delivery is due – for trades this is crucial as they know who needs to be onsite and when.

“The real-time sharing of updates also reduces the need for customers to call us. However, if they do, we have everything we need to answer any query thanks to Podfather and all in just a couple of clicks,” he continued. “Not only does this further reduce our back-office resource it has also impacted on the number and value of credit notes we issue. Before Podfather, investigating misplaced delivery items or disputes was a time-consuming process. Now, with improved traceability, resolving these issues is faster and more efficient, both for the customer and us.”

 

Established in 1974, Sternfenster quickly became one of the UK’s leading trade fabricators of uPVC and aluminium windows and doors. Now celebrating 50 years of business, Sternfenster has over 180 employees, operating from an 137,000 square-metre production facility in Lincoln. Under the guidance of original founder’s sons, Sternfenster continues to deliver high-quality products, nationally, but with the values of a family-run business.

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Sponsorship to help young people progress in construction careers

Croydon College secure sponsorship to help young people progress in construction careers

 

Croydon College is pleased to announce that Clarion Housing Group’s charitable foundation, Clarion Futures, and construction company JJ Rhatigan have agreed to sponsor a number of students with their CSCS card applications, enabling them to gain valuable on-site experience in the construction industry.

CSCS is the leading skills certification scheme within the UK construction industry, providing proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do. By having a valid CSCS card, the college can source work placements for the students on construction sites as well as opening up more employment opportunities for them.

Stuart Singleton, Construction Curriculum Manager at Croydon College commented: “The generous donations from Clarion Futures and JJ Rhatigan have funded 24 learners who are about to complete the training and get their CSCS cards. The cards are vital for getting leaners onto building sites, but the cost is a setback for our learners as they have to try and fund this themselves. It opens up so many more opportunities for them both with work experience placements and employment. We are incredibly grateful to both for their donations and for helping our learners get the hands on experience they need for a career in the construction industry.”

Victoria Whittle, Head of Jobs and Training at Clarion Futures, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting young people at Croydon College as they kickstart their careers. Access to the necessary qualifications and work placements can act as a real barrier for those wanting to get into the construction industry, and thanks to this partnership we’ll be laying the groundwork for brighter futures.”

As well as helping students get the CSCS cards, JJ Rhatigan have facilitated a number of work experience placements for students at the college from carpentry to quantity surveying, providing students with real life experience of what they are studying and to give a good insight into working life in construction. They will also be running site tours for students over the coming weeks for them to see a live construction site and to interact with the trades.

Hamish Hunter, Project Director, JJ Rhatigan said:

“We donated to Croydon College as part of our social value contributions which form part of our work with Clarion on the Eastfields Phase 1 project. We established a relationship with the college in conjunction with Clarion and a need was identified to sponsor students with their CSCS card applications. We thought this was a very worthwhile opportunity to support young people with their first steps into the industry and to break down any financial barriers to entry. With a widening skills gap, it’s great that Croydon College are training apprentices to enter into the industry and we are pleased to support them with this.”

To find out more about courses at Croydon College visit: https://croydon.ac.uk/

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RINNAI: EXPLORING OPTIMAL OPTIONS FOR CARE HOME DHW SOLUTION

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RINNAI’S WHITEPAPER ON VALUE ENGINEERING

EXPLORES OPTIMAL OPTIONS FOR CARE HOME DHW SOLUTION

Rinnai has issued a new whitepaper titled “Optimizing Domestic Hot Water Systems for Archetype Care Homes: A Value Engineering Approach.” The full version is available now on the Rinnai website:

The whitepaper is strident in pointing out that Value Engineering (VE) principles highlight the importance of putting customer requirements first, applying cost effective engineering solutions and improving the whole life value of a project – as opposed to simply cutting costs resulting in the inevitable compromise of performance.

It includes a major section on an archetype Case Study which analyzes a range of potential solutions for the refurbishment of a care home in the UK. Carbon-Cost Analysis (CCA) studies are used to decipher the optimal solution based on the customers’ criteria of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 20%, opting for a system with no more than two heat pumps (HPs) due to space constraints, as well as considering the operating expenditure (OPEX) as a key metric when deciding on the final solution. The archetypal site was given a current system of 3 x non-condensing water heaters.

After generating several proposed solutions and evaluating these based on the set criteria, there is further analysis of specific ones – an instantaneous gas-fired system, a hybrid system and an all-electric system – all based on the initial capital expenditure (CAPEX), plus 5-year forecasts regarding OPEX, carbon production, and lifecycle costs. A full breakdown of CAPEX, OPEX and carbon performance of all relevant systems is provided to demonstrate which one provides the optimal solution in accordance with the customer’s requirements.

The detailed analysis showed that the highest whole life value system that best aligned with the customers’ needs is the hybrid system.

Rinnai’s latest whitepaper is designed to inform building services consultants, main contractors, architects, specifiers and system designers on the wide range of technologies that can synergize together to create a long life efficient and cost-effective commercial DHW system.

RINNAI OFFERS CLEAR PATHWAYS TO LOWER CARBON & DECARBONISATION
PLUS CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC &
OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY

 

  • Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of hot water heating units in gas/BioLPG/DME, hydrogen ready units, electric instantaneous hot water heaters, electric storage cylinders and buffer vessels, a comprehensive range of heat pumps, solar, hydrogen-ready or natural gas in any configuration of hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H1/2/3 range of products and systems offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable low carbon/decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions.
  • Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.
  • Rinnai products are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours.
  • Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question.
  • Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s.
  • The Rinnai range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RINNAI WEBSITE

or HERE to EMAIL RINNAI

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

 

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Immigration Swoop in Belfast – Dozens Arrested

Dozens arrested in immigration swoop at Belfast construction site. A total of 35 Romanian men and one 16-year-old were arrested following a dawn operation

A dawn operation by Immigration Enforcement officers with the UK Home Office has led to more than 30 arrests at a construction site in Belfast’s historic Titanic Quarter, a spokesperson has said.

In what the Home Office has described as a “major co-ordinated operation” that took place on Wednesday (19 March), officers, supported by the Belfast Harbour Police, swooped the site “acting on intelligence of illegal workers operating for a sub-contractor inside the premises”.

The Home Office say the “interception” led to the arrest of 35 Romanian men and one 16-year-old, who had been employed by a sub-contractor.  The spokesperson continued:

“Offences ranged from working in breach of visa conditions to illegal entry in the UK with no permission to work. One man was also arrested on suspicion of assisting unlawful immigration by the Home Office’s Criminal and Financial Investigation team.

“Those arrested have agreed to leave the United Kingdom and return to their home country or been placed on strict immigration bail conditions – and are now required to report regularly to the Home Office. The 16-year-old boy has been referred to the relevant authorities for further investigation and support.”

The Home Office statement added: “The visit forms part of the government’s surge in enforcement action to tackle illegal working in all its forms under the Plan for Change. It comes shortly after a record-breaking January was achieved for illegal working activity, with 828 visits recorded across the UK compared to 556 the year before, and 609 arrests.”

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said:

“We’re cracking down on those who attempt to flout the rules by ramping up our enforcement activity right across the UK. Under the Plan for Change, this government is going further and faster with more visits, arrests and returns of those with no right to be in the country, to finally restore our immigration system.”

The Labour Party minister added:

“My message is clear: illegal workers, and those who employ and exploit them, will be caught and they will face the full force of the law.”

The Home Office statement continued:

“In many cases, those who end up working illegally are sold lies about their ability to live and work in the UK, when in reality they often face squalid living conditions, minimal pay and inhumane working hours, as well as the threat of arrest and removal if they are caught.

“That’s why the Home Office is ramping up its enforcement action to ensure there is no hiding place from the law and rogue employers also face the full consequences, including fines of up to £60,000 and, in serious cases, a prison sentence.

Paul McHarron, Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Northern Ireland lead, said:

“I hope these arrests demonstrate our commitment to clamping down on illegal workers and non-compliant employers. Not only does illegal working undermine our immigration system and economy, but it’s inextricably linked to extremely poor living conditions, inhumane working hours and below minimum wage.

“This must be stopped, which is why we’re increasing our enforcement activity to tackle this illegal activity in all its forms. I’d like to thank our partners agencies for their support in delivering this operation.”

And a Home Office spokesperson added:

“Illegal working is just one part of the government’s wider plan to tackle organised immigration crime, from the smuggling routes operating across Europe, to the high streets of towns and cities across the UK. Alongside enforcement activity, the government has also exceeded its original target on returns, with nearly 19,000 foreign criminals and people with no right to be in the UK removed since the government took office. These figures represent the highest rate of returns seen in the UK since 2018 and include the four biggest returns charter flights in the UK’s history, with a total of more than 850 people on board.

“In the coming months, the government plans to go further by introducing new counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which completed consideration by the Public Bill Committee this week, will grant law enforcement additional powers to take earlier, faster and more effective action against organised crime gangs. This includes new powers, for example seizing mobile phones from people who come to the UK illegally, to gather intelligence against the gangs responsible for their journey and new data sharing measures to build the UK’s intelligence picture. “

Source: Belfast Live

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Bootcamps and Technical Excellence for Construction Apprentices

The chancellor has announced plans to invest over half a billion pounds into training new construction workers, including through 10 new ‘technical excellence colleges’, more skills bootcamps and financial incentives for foundation apprenticeships.

Ahead of next week’s spring statement, Rachel Reeves said the government hopes to train “up to 60,000 more engineers, brickies, sparkies and chippies” to hit Labour’s target of building 1.5 million new homes by the next general election in 2029.

The government hopes a multi-pronged investment package, announced by the Treasury today, will create a “steady flow” of construction workers to help meet the housing target.

The package includes manifesto-promised initiatives such as technical excellence colleges and foundation apprenticeships, plus £2,000 cash incentives for employers to “retain” foundation apprentices, alongside funding for already established measures such as construction work placements, skills bootcamps, and local skills improvement plans (LSIPs).

Reeves said the 1.5 million homes, new roads, rail or energy infrastructure would not be possible without tackling the “massive shortage” of tradespeople who “actually get the work done”.

Latest Office for National Statistics figures show that there are over 35,000 job vacancies in the construction sector and employers report that over half of vacancies can’t be filled due to a lack of required skills – the highest rate of any sector.

Reeves added: “We’ve overhauled the planning system that is holding this country back, now we are gripping the lack of skilled construction workers, delivering on our Plan for Change to boost jobs and growth for working people.”

College leaders have said the package announced today will help them “reduce barriers” to training including by filling staff vacancies .

Here’s what the Treasury has announced so far:

Technical excellence colleges

There will £100 million of “new investment” for ten technical excellence colleges. But details on whether these will be brand new institutions, existing colleges or a re-branding of existing skills initiatives such as Institutes of Technology, are yet to be confirmed.

Ahead of Labour’s election victory, prime minister Keir Starmer said further education colleges would be able to bid to become “specialist” technical excellence colleges if they prove to Skills England that they can meet skills needs, lever investment from employers and utilise other local institutions.

Re-bootcamp

Skills bootcamps in construction are set to be expanded with £100 million in extra funding.

This follows the DfE pausing its national commissioning of bootcamps, although it will continue to fund them through ringfenced grants to mayors and local authorities next financial year.

The Treasury is yet to confirm who will oversee commissioning the newly announced funding for construction bootcamps.

Bootcamps, short sector-focused courses aimed at moving adults into new or better jobs, were first funded to boost employment and skills during the pandemic.

Up to £584 million was set aside for them between 2022 and 2025, but data on their success suggests that only a third of learners go on to gain a job in the field they trained in.

£2k foundation apprenticeships incentives

The Treasury says new foundation apprenticeships, launching in August this year, will be backed by an “additional £40 million” – the same amount that was first announced in October’s budget.

Construction will be one of the “key sectors” for foundation apprenticeships, with a new incentive of £2,000 available for employers who “take on and retain” a foundation apprentice.

Funding for training foundation apprentices will come from the growth and skills levy, currently known as the apprenticeship levy.

The Treasury has not confirmed how many £2,000 grants are available, but if the full £40 million is spent on the incentives then it will be used up with 20,000 places.

Industry placements

More than 40,000 construction industry placements will be funded by a £100 million contribution from the Treasury and £32 million from the Construction Industry Training Board.

The placements, aimed at addressing a so-called “leaky pipeline” of learners who “don’t progress into the sector” because they are not “site ready”, will be available to all level 2 and 3 learners, students on NVQs, BTECs, T-Levels and advanced apprenticeships.

The CITB, a government-sponsored body funded by a levy on construction firms, will also “double” the size of its new entrant support team, which focuses on helping small businesses recruit apprentices. The team’s current size is unclear.

More construction courses in colleges

Colleges will see £165 million made available to deliver “more construction courses”.

It is unclear how this funding will be distributed, what conditions will be attached or when it will become available.

LSIP stimulus

England’s 38 local skills improvement plans (LSIPs) will receive £20 million to “form partnerships between colleges and construction companies”.

A key aim will be increasing the number of teachers with construction experience to “train the next generation of workers”.

Broken down, the funding equates to about £526,000 per LSIP, similar to the £550,000 each employer representative body was paid to develop the plans between 2023 and 2025.

Capital pot ‘for employers’

The above initiatives add up to £525 million.

When asked how the £600 million figure was calculated, a Treasury spokesperson said there is also an £80 million capital pot to support employers to deliver bespoke training based on their needs. Officials are yet to elaborate.

Cash injection will help colleges fill vacancies

Anna Dawe, principal of Wigan and Leigh College, said:

“Our college boasts a strong and comprehensive offer across professional construction and construction trades, but currently there are real barriers to us and our employer partners being able to do more.

“Investment to reduce those barriers and enable us to offer additional pathways into such an important sector is very welcome.

“We see the high demand amongst young people wanting to enter the construction sector, adults looking to upskill and employers wishing to secure the right skills so a targeted strategy such as this has the potential to reduce the number of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), remove barriers to training and contribute to productivity in our locality.”

Jerry White, principal of City College Norwich, Paston College and Easton College added:

“We have just opened a new construction skills hub and this will enable us to fill it with the staff required to teach the students and apprentices of the future.

“Any increase in funding will help us pay staff at the industry standard rate, meaning we can truly recruit the best people for these roles.

“The Department for Education’s workforce survey last year showed one in 10 teaching roles in construction in colleges was vacant – this funding will help us address that.”

 

Source: FE News

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£80m to Make 10,000 Homes Warmer

Liverpool City Region secures £80m to make 10,000 homes warmer, more energy efficient and cheaper to heat

  • £31.8m secured for Warm Homes Local Grant scheme
  • £48m secured for Warm Homes Social Housing Fund
  • Funding will enable energy-efficiency improvements to around 10,000 homes
  • In addition to £105m already secured to retrofit 10,000 homes
  • Mayor: ‘This funding builds on that progress, helping even more people stay warm for less.’

Thousands of homes are to be made warmer and more energy efficient as part of an £80m investment secured by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

£31.8m will come from the Warm Homes: Local Grant fund and will be distributed to low-income homeowners and private renters.

The funding was secured by a Combined Authority-led consortium of Liverpool City Region’s six local authorities – Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral – and was the third highest award in England.

A further £48m has been secured through the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund which will be distributed among 24 housing associations operating in the city region and the wider north west. The award was the fourth highest in England and work is expected to start in the summer.

The investment – which will enable energy-efficiency improvements to around 10,000 homes – is part of a five-year carbon action plan to make the city region net zero by 2035. It comes on top of £105m already secured by the Combined Authority to retrofit 10,000 homes with energy-efficiency upgrades including wall and loft insulation, new roofs, solar panels, heat pumps and ventilation.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:

“Too many families are still forced to choose between heating and eating – and that’s simply not right. This investment from government is a welcome step towards fixing that, with more than £31m going to low-income households in our region and another £48m to support social housing residents.

“Here in the Liverpool City Region, we’ve already invested over £100m to improve the energy efficiency of more than 10,000 homes – cutting bills, reducing carbon emissions, and tackling fuel poverty. This latest funding builds on that progress, helping even more people stay warm for less. And I’ll keep working with government to make sure our region gets the investment it needs, so no one is left behind.”

Households with an energy inefficient home (Energy Performance Certificate Band D or below) and living in certain postcodes will be automatically eligible for the local grant scheme.

Grants can also be accessed by households with an annual income of less than £36,000, who own their own home or for certain privately rented properties.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said:

“More than half of our region’s 720,000 homes are rated below the EPC band C standard, which makes them less efficient and more expensive to heat. We’ve secured this latest funding thanks to our track record of working with government and partners to deliver large scale retrofit projects. This significant investment means that thousands of local people will pay less to heat their homes in future.”

 

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Toronto School: Leading by Example with Timber

Poplar Road K-8 Public School is set to break ground this year in Scarborough and will set

an example for future schools when it comes to mass-timber construction. Images: Moriyama Teshima Architects

The forthcoming Poplar Road K-8 Public School, which is set to break ground in Scarborough this year, will become a real-time lesson in mass-timber construction, with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) leading by example.

Replacing the existing K-6 school, Poplar Road will be a two-storey modular building that aligns with the TDSB’s Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan. It will also conform to the Ontario government’s commitment to investing in education, with a recent announcement outlining a $1.3-billion investment to build 30 new schools and expand 15 across Ontario. Once complete, the government’s efforts should create more than 25,000 new spaces for students and more than 1,600 new licensed child-care spaces.

“What is unique and most exciting about this project is the potential of this kit-of-parts,” says Carol Phillips, a partner at Moriyama Teshima Architects. “How can we create a modular kit that reflects its community and site, but is also repeatable and we can use as a base for future schools?”

The case for a ‘kit-of-parts’ approach

The construction of the Poplar Road school embodies a modular, prefabricated “kit-of-parts” approach that emphasizes speed, quality control and the minimization of environmental effects. Similar to building with LEGO bricks, this method enables architects to create flexible, customized designs using standard components.

Moriyama Teshima Architects hopes the Poplar Road project convinces the TDSB, other boards of education and the broader construction industry that a mass-timber, kit-of-parts framework is a quick, repeatable solution and a future model for building schools.

“There is real value in this kit-of-parts design approach as a potential template for solving our school construction backlog,” says Carol Cochrane, Moriyama Teshima’s lead architect on the project. “The intent is not to have a kit that becomes boxy and boring, where every building looks the same, but to create a kit that allows for a certain amount of creative freedom within it to explore different forms, shapes and elements, depending on the project.”

Looking ahead, it’s unclear whether the TDSB will consider a kit-of-parts, modular philosophy for its projects.

“It’s early days, and unfortunately, in the last round of capital priorities approvals, we did not receive any funding for new schools,” says Maia Puccetti, the TDSB’s executive officer of facilities and planning. “Until this school is built – and people get a chance to see and tour it – we will wait and see, but I’m hoping that it will create excitement about the possibilities.”

Once complete, students, staff and community residents will have access to a modern, inclusive and sustainable two-storey educational facility that’s fit for roughly 340 students and includes a five-room child-care centre.

Building better with mass timber

Through a feasibility study, the TDSB concluded that the use of mass timber is beneficial for the new Poplar Road school for health and safety, environmental and cost benefits.

“We did not want to relocate the children while we were building their new school,” Ms. Puccetti says. “Mass timber is much faster for putting the structure together, and that was an important selling feature to minimize disruption for the community.” Moriyama Teshima Architects is accustomed to building low-carbon, sustainable structures. Even before any preliminary designs are drawn, the firm’s architects ensure they understand the community and context unique to each development. As recently illustrated by its award-winning mass-timber Limberlost Place project, which was constructed as part of a joint venture with Acton Ostry Architects, Moriyama Teshima evaluates the feasibility of modular mass-timber construction for all its projects.

“There’s still a lot of mass education that has to happen about mass timber, no pun intended,” Ms. Puccetti says. “A lot of people still don’t understand what it means.”

 

Bringing nature in

Poplar Road Public School is located in Scarborough’s historic Guildwood Village. Marked by the majestic Scarborough Bluffs and its proximity to Lake Ontario, the community is surrounded by many municipal parks.

“There is a fantastic history here that speaks to a connection to the agrarian landscape,” Ms. Phillips says. “The annual Strawberry Festival pays tribute to the fruit farming that once happened in this area and is the school’s biggest event each year.”

When it comes to the building’s design and lighting, Moriyama Teshima Architects wanted the sun to circle around the school throughout the day to evoke a subtle environmental message.

“We want the finished building to be an instructional tool to teach both industry and these students about sustainability and to understand we are all a part of nature, not separate from it,” Ms. Phillips says. “A building like this, if it places itself in the land … can actually help us to heal our broken relationship with the planet.”

Moriyama Teshima Architects drew inspiration from the surrounding landscape, using vertical shiplap boards in the interior design to mimic the aesthetic of the surrounding Scarborough Bluffs. “We’ve then taken that shiplap and turned it vertically, which creates a really beautiful scene,” Ms. Cochrane says.

While the new Poplar Road school is being built, students are learning in the current K-6 structure that sits on the south side of the site, which means they’re seeing their future learning institution getting constructed in real time.

“Maybe this will inspire the next generation of architects, engineers and trade workers,” Ms. Puccetti says. “I hope other [school] boards will look at Poplar Road and see mass timber as a cost-effective, sustainable solution for future schools.”

Source: The Globe & Mail

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Putting CO2 on the Road

As the UK government shapes the next phase of its Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), the country’s road construction sector is presented with a unique opportunity: the ability to transform UK building into a tool for carbon removal.

National Highways, which is charged with operating, maintaining and improving motorways and major A roads in England, in October 2024 reported a sharp increase in its carbon emissions from its construction and maintenance supply chain activity – an increase of more than 63,000t last year alone. Over the past four years, the report highlighted that emissions have totalled 1.4Mt. If the UK is serious about reaching net zero by 2050, traditional road-building methods cannot continue to be rolled out unchecked.

One of the biggest factors in road construction emissions is the choice of materials. Reducing these emissions requires innovation – one solution is carbonated recycled concrete aggregate (cRCA), created by enriching recycled concrete aggregates with CO₂ through accelerated mineralisation. These aggregates, which can be used to build roads or to produce fresh recycled building materials, offer a simple, permanent and cost-effective method of permanently storing CO₂.

Take two major UK highway project proposals, for example: the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine and the Lower Thames Crossing. If these projects incorporated carbonated recycled concrete, they could permanently store over 19,000t of CO₂. This figure is equivalent to the emissions from 4,750 flights between London and New York. The environmental impact would be immediate, tangible and scalable across future UK roadworks.

Recycled concrete already plays a crucial role in modern road construction, most widely used as the filler material in the base layers of roads. However, the production of concrete, even when later demolished and recycled for use in road bases, is a significant contributor to CO₂ emissions, accounting for up to 8% of global CO₂ emissions. Looking at the global construction sector as a whole, demolished concrete is also the world’s largest waste stream.

The technology and approach to permanently storing CO2 in demolished concrete is already taking place Europe. Neustark, based in Switzerland, is a leading provider in this rapidly growing field, having developed a solution to permanently store CO₂ in recycled mineral waste streams such as demolished concrete.

The company does so by capturing CO₂ from biogenic sources, like biogas plants, liquefying it and transporting it to storage sites, where it is permanently mineralised in recycled concrete aggregates. The CO₂ reacts with calcium-rich materials in demolition waste, forming stable carbonates that lock the carbon away permanently.

Neustark recently entered the UK market, with its first site now operational in Greenwich, London, through a strategic partnership with Aggregate Industries. In a year, this site has the capacity to remove the equivalent of the carbon sequestered by 50,000 fir trees in the same time frame. The UK offers a strong market for scaling carbon removal, but more focus is needed on integrating it into existing supply chains – road construction is the perfect place to start.

Beyond the environmental benefits, integrating cRCA into UK road construction could drive economic advantages as well. The demand for sustainable materials is growing rapidly, and, if the UK construction industry positioned itself as a frontrunner in this growing field, it would create new regional business opportunities, attract investment and generate new jobs.

The transition to net zero requires bold action across all sectors, and UK road construction must not be left behind. The good news is that solutions exist today. Neustark offers a proven technology that can be implemented immediately in the UK, reducing emissions while strengthening the circular economy.

Neustark is urging policymakers, industry leaders, and procurement officials in the UK to take decisive steps now as the government prepares for the next RIS3. Embedding sustainable materials into road construction projects should be a priority. The UK has an opportunity to lead the way in climate-centred roadbuilding, that delivers environmental, economic and social benefits for generations to come.

By Valentin Gutknecht, CEO and co-founder of neustark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: New Civil Engineer

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12,000 Homes Plan Finally Approved, After 24 Years

 

A proposal for almost 12,000 homes has been approved, concluding a 24-year-long saga in Wirral. The Local Plan, which Wirral Council has been developing for years, is thought to be the first brownfield-only strategy to receive approval nationwide.

This implies that no green belt areas, which make up about half of the Wirral, will be allocated for development under the plan, which extends until 2040. The plan encompasses 11,814 homes, nearly 2,600 below the minimum requirement.

However, this figure is based on the anticipation that housing delivery will escalate as regeneration schemes take off. The plan was submitted for government inspection in 2022 and underwent several weeks of hearings throughout 2023.

In 2024, the local authority was instructed to make several amendments to the plan for it to gain approval from planning inspectors. These changes have now been finalised and approved, with planning inspectors Tom Bristow and Mike Worden giving the final sign-off.

This comes despite developers’ concerns that nearly £1bn of public funding would be required to kickstart the council’s plans.

The Local Plan, set to replace Wirral Council’s planning policy implemented in 2000, has finally received a green light from inspectors, concluding a protracted episode that has loomed over the council. In 2019, the government considered intervening due to the council’s failure to produce an updated plan, criticising it for not planning and delivering the necessary homes since its policies were outdated as of 2001.

Despite the government revising housing targets for the borough to over 1,600 homes annually—significantly higher than those proposed in the local plan—the plan was evaluated based on the policies active in 2021. The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government has been contacted for comments on how the Wirral’s Local Plan will be reconciled with national objectives to construct 1.5 million homes across the country.

Inspectors Mr Bristow and Worden, in their comprehensive 92-page report, approved several amendments essential for the plan’s execution. They concurred with the council’s prioritisation of residential construction over employment development, noting Wirral’s position as having the lowest job density within the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Although Wirral’s population increased by only 400 individuals from 2011 to 2021, the inspectors viewed this stagnation as a negative indicator for a borough grappling with “a challenging legacy of deindustrialisation” and a stark 11-year life expectancy gap between its eastern and western areas. Over the decade, the demographic aged, with “younger, economically active people leaving Wirral to seek opportunities elsewhere.”

The lack of new housing would essentially “would effectively cast those unsustainable trends forward,” they warned. Projections from 2014 suggested that the number of working individuals in Wirral was expected to decrease by 6,660 between 2021 and 2037.

In their letter, the inspectors stated:

“the focus of the Plan is justified in respect of regeneration and intensification around the east of the Borough, where de-industrialisation has left a legacy of larger sites.”

However, if the council fails to deliver, it will need to consider an early review, with the inspectors adding:

“If larger allocations are delayed, meeting the overall housing need will become challenging.”

Following the verdict allowing the plan to be approved, Cllr Paul Stuart, the leader of Wirral Council, said:

“We are ready to adopt our pioneering brownfield-only Local Plan. The Planning Inspectorate’s approval validates our vision. The Labour group has called for an extraordinary council meeting to adopt this plan immediately.

“Focusing on brownfield sites can protect our Green Belt while driving regeneration in areas needing investment. This plan will provide modern homes and skilled jobs, ensuring a brighter future for all residents.”

Cllr Jeff Green, Leader of Wirral’s Conservatives, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the plan’s delivery, adding:

“This is good news and shows what can be done when residents and the Council work together. The plans by previous Labour Leaders to build on our Green Belt have finally been ditched.”

Source: MSN news

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