Pre-election survey reveals that 92% of QSs feel industry is poorly represented within Government

The RICS has headed a call from QSs for a government department dedicated to construction.

Brian Berry, head of land and construction policy at RICS has called for a single minister for the wide range of policies affecting the sector. He said: “The piecemeal approach [to the construction industry] adopted by the Government means that construction and built environment-related issues span many different departments and do not enjoy the level of co-ordination they deserve.”

This call to action was echoed by Richard Steer, senior partner at Gleeds, in a letter to QS News (see page 13). He pointed out that there has been little mention made of the industry in any party’s campaign and calls for the new Government to help plug the skills gap and improve the PFI bidding process.

A recent survey of QSs conducted by Building, the sister publication of QS News, found that an overwhelming 84% of QSs believe all government departments dealing with construction should be consolidated within a single department. An even weightier 92% said that construction was not well represented within government.

One respondent said: “I don't think that any political party actually understands construction, as an industry we are just ‘there’.”

Another remarked that construction was “not sexy enough to sway public opnion” (see below for further quotes).

At present, the ODPM sets building regulations, the DTI aims to secure an efficient market in the construction industry, OGC monitors procurement, the HSE oversees and promotes health and safety, whilst the DFES develops education and training requirements.

Berry pointed out that construction employs over 3m people and contributes almost 10% of GDP. “The industry is worth over £100bn each year. Given its importance to the economy and to achieving the Government’s other objectives on environmental targets and creating sustainable communities, there is clearly a need for a direct link between the industry and government policies.”

He said the minister for construction and the built environment should:

  • act as an advocate for construction and built environment issues
  • act as a first port of call for advice, guidance and support
  • provide a legislative framework within which the construction industry can flourish
  • sponsor research which encourages efficiency.

The QS who would be MP

One man who could help focus the Government’s attention on the construction industry is Paul Brierly – that is, if he’s successful next week. The QS is standing as a Conservative candidate in Bolton North East, where Labour MP David Crausby won in 2001. Brierley is understood to support plans to build a skate park in the town centre and has campaigned against the axing of Christmas trees to decorate the town during the festive period. According to the Bolton North East Conservatives’ website, Brierley is a Euro-sceptic and has campaigned on local issues such as anti social behaviour.

Brierley started out in construction as an apprentice joiner for his father's business and later got a degree in quantity surveying and an MSc in construction management. He splits his time between acting as a local councillor and working as a commercial manager for a national construction sector company.

Born in 1959, he is lifetime supporter of Bolton Wanderers football club and a one-time Karate champion.

What QSs have to say about next week’s election…

"Withdrawal from the EU is the priority. All other issues could then be solved more easily"

"Why can’t the Government provide the right people to do comprehensive feasiblity studies up front?"

"There is a growing number of candidates whose grasp of life outside politics is tenuous"

"Government should address skills shortages by encouraging employers to offer training through tax breaks"

Source

QS News