The UK's construction sector has voted in favour of the Construction Industry Training Board continuing its Levy-raising powers.
Following the organisation's largest-ever consultation with the industry, the proposed Levy rate for this year was set at 0.35% for all PAYE employers, down from 0.5% in previous years. The subcontractor NET CIS rate remains at 1.25%.
A total of 14 federations and 4,000 non-represented employers were asked whether or not they support the proposed levy rate.
Final results reveal that 76.9% of employers across Great Britain support the Levy, representing 69.7% of the total value of Levy paid in.
In England, Scotland and Wales, 71.2% of surveyed employers support the Levy, with responses in Scotland and Wales showing increasing support with 8 out of 10 (79.1% and 79.2%) of employers voting 'yes', respectively.
Overall, it appears the majority of firms all sizes support the Levy - 74.2% of large and medium firms, 75.9% of small firms and 71.6% of micro firms all voted in favour.
However, despite the victory, CITB's Chief Executive Officer Sarah Beale said the organisation have heard calls for change "loud and clear".
A number of respondents voted in support of CITB on the basis the organisation carried out a number of radical reforms.
Speaking last month, CECA Chief Executive Alasdair Reisner said despite members voting in favour to retain the Levy, civil engineers "have asked us to make it clear that this should be seen as a 'yes, but…' rather than a straight endorsement".
"In recent months CITB has taken steps to cut bureaucracy from the organisation, improve communications and build better governance," he said.
"Members want this process to continue at an increased pace, ensuring that CITB is fit for purpose in the years to come."
Mark Farmer, Chief Executive of Cast Consultancy, said: "I've made it clear the future of the industry has to be very different; that means CITB must be very different too. We've seen some positive signs from CITB, particularly with the reports around immersive learning and offsite construction. Now we need to see the big changes that are going to make our industry's training body fit for purpose long term."
Sarah Beale, CITB CEO, said: "The results are clear – construction firms across Great Britain have come together to commit to deliver a skilled construction workforce for the next three years. The Consensus process this year has been rigorous, robust and inclusive – with more employers consulted than ever before.
"Whilst we have been backed by our industry, we've heard the calls for change loud and clear. Be assured that we will continue listening to industry and along with recommendations from the Government's upcoming review into industry training boards, will use all we learn to inform our reform process.
"We are completely committed to modernising our organisation by renewing governance, ensuring accountability and improving outcomes. It is what industry expects and we will deliver."
The results of the survey will now be submitted to the Department for Education for verification and approval, before the Secretary of State asks Parliament to approve the new Levy order.
(LM)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
29/11/2024
Construction has begun on the initial phase of Spaceport 1, a sub-orbital launch site in the Outer Hebrides. Local contractor, Macaulay Askernish Ltd, has been awarded a contract by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to undertake enabling works at Scolpaig Farm in North Uist. The project, funded by a £947k ...
29/11/2024
David Smith Contractors Ltd, a local firm based in Fraserburgh, has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract to contribute to the construction of the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project. The company will undertake civil engineering works at the converter station site near Boddam, Peterhead. ...
29/11/2024
Scotland has unveiled a new plan to become a leading exporter of renewable hydrogen by 2030. The plan, titled 'A Trading Nation: Realising Scotland's Hydrogen Potential – A Plan for Exports', outlines specific actions needed to achieve this goal. The Scottish Government aims to capitalize on the ...
29/11/2024
First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the progress being made in the construction of the new Perth High School during a recent site visit. The new three-storey building, being delivered by Robertson Construction Tayside on behalf of hub East Central Scotland, will accommodate up to 1,600 pupils ...
29/11/2024
Glasgow City Council has given the green light to the sale of four land plots in the city to facilitate various development projects. The sites in question are located in Carmyle, Deaconsbank, Maryhill, and Port Dundas. The disposals are expected to generate significant capital receipts for the ...
29/11/2024
Scottish Water is set to achieve a significant milestone in its woodland creation programme, planting over 500,000 trees by the end of the current planting season in March 2025. This year, the company will plant more than 245 hectares of native woodland across various sites, including Loch ...
28/11/2024
Construction has begun on a new £33 million student accommodation development in Glasgow city centre. The project, a partnership between Artisan Real Estate and Homes for Students, will provide 321 self-contained studio apartments at 292-298 St Vincent Street. The existing office building on the ...
28/11/2024
Springfield Properties has submitted detailed plans to Midlothian Council for the first phase of its new Lingerwood development. The proposed development, located off Stobhill Road near Newtongrange, will eventually include around 1,000 homes. The first phase will comprise 63 homes, ranging from ...
28/11/2024
Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has called on the Scottish Government to prioritise the needs of rural communities in the upcoming Scottish Budget. Dee Ward, Chair of SLE, has urged the Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, to conduct a robust rural impact assessment for all spending and taxation ...
28/11/2024
Four Scottish electrical apprentices have been praised for their performance in the prestigious SkillELECTRIC competition. John-Ross Campbell, Kalum Low, Milly Smith, and Ewan Thomas, all SETCTT apprentices, represented Scotland in the UK-wide competition, which was held at Oldham College. Milly ...