Parliament approves CITB levy order

MPs voted unanimously in favour of keeping the construction training levy for a further three years in a vote in Parliament this week..

They also approved a number of industry-led revisions to the CITB-ConstructionSkills levy, including a reduction for smaller builders.

All employers whose salary bills are between £80-100k will receive a 50% reduction on their levy payments.

All 13 trade federations voted to support the levy earlier this year.

Mark Farrar, Chief Executive of CITB-ConstructionSkills said: “We are delighted that the changes to the Levy have been approved giving continued to support the important work of CITB-ConstructionSkills.

“Over the last 18 months we have been working hard with industry to revise the Levy, ensuring that it reflects the desire of both employers and industry federations for a simpler and more consistent system.”

Julia Evans, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders said the levy reduction for smaller builders was “great news” for NFB members.

She said: “This is great news for our many small business members who will find this levy reduction more equitable at a time when resources and orders are stretched.

“We are pleased that MPs have shown an understanding of the important role of skills and training while firms continue to survive in a difficult economic climate.”