The LGTF is helping authorities save 10% on capital spend budgets. And with £11bn earmarked for capital works, we're talking serious cash
There has never been a better opportunity to help local authorities improve the way they spend capital maintenance budgets for construction. It is estimated that in 2004/5, local authorities will spend approximately £11bn on capital works alone. By learning from the best practice of others - particularly the six beacon councils - there are opportunities for saving money, reducing waste and improving standards.

What is the Local government task force?
The LGTF was established in March 2000 to assist local authorities to adopt Rethinking Construction principles and is supported by the DTI and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The LGTF has been pivotal in changing local authority thinking on construction procurement strategies, quality standards, whole life costs and Best Value. Best Value is the performance framework imposed by central government that requires authorities to deliver services to clear standards of cost and quality by the most economic, efficient and effective means. To achieve Best Value in procuring construction services, local authorities must demonstrate that they have chosen the best 'whole life' option, rather than the initial lowest cost alternative. The LGTF is helping local authorities to do just that through the LGTF toolkit (due to be revised this year) and through the publication of guidance. LGTF is also promoting the lessons learned from 200 public sector demonstration projects.

Regional Champions
The LGTF has recently appointed nine Regional Champions to:

  • Act as the LGTF representative and spokesperson for their region
  • Help in implementing the changes needed to adopt Rethinking Construction principles
  • Advise and assist in the co-ordination of the involvement of local authorities in setting up permanent Rethinking Construction networks in the Regional Development Agency regions
  • Attend opening events of demonstration projects, seminars and conferences

The nine Regional Champions are:
East Anglia – Mike Britch, managing director of Norfolk Property Services, Norfolk CC
East Midlands – Roger Latham, chief executive, Nottinghamshire CC
Great Western and Wales – David Jenkins, chief executive, Dorset CC
London – Graham Farrant, chief executive, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
North East (Northumberland/Durham/Tyne and Wear) – Chris Tunstall, director of Environment Technical Services, Durham CC
North East (Yorkshire and Humberside) – Keith Hilton, assistant executive director, Barnsley MBC
North West – Mike Foy, assistant chief executive, St Helen's MBC
Southern Home Counties and the South – Dr Alastair Jefford, County Transport Operations Manager, Kent CC
West Midlands – Barry Plant, head of Urban Improvement, Sandwell MBC

  • The LGTF applauds the achievements of all applicants to this year's beacon council scheme. Speaking at a celebration event earlier this year, LGTF chair Tim Byles said: "The beacon scheme is about knowledge sharing and spreading best practice. The vision is for more councils to take the steps beacon applicants have already taken.

    Recent publications

    1. Demonstrations of Sustainability
    Celebrating the success of Rethinking Construction in addressing sustainability 2. Ten Top Tips for a Successful Procurement Process
    This step-by-step guide offers practical advice on the adoption of a successful procurement strategy 3. A Guide to Standard Forms of Construction Contract
    A list of principal standard forms of building contract, highlighting significant features 4. How to Develop a Procurement Strategy
    Prepare an effective corporate strategy that communicates how procurement is to be managed. Published in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)

    Building Procurement Change: Implementing Rethinking Construction

    Endorsed and launched by the Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford at the recent LGA Conference, Building Procurement Change is a series of events in conjunction with CIPFA that are aiming to provide practical guidance for the implementation of Rethinking Construction principles to local authority practitioners. Kicking off in September, the first ten regional workshops will focus on the pre-contract process. Another 10 events planned for late autumn will look at post-contract management.

    Who’s Who at LGTF

    Chairman Tim Byles, CE, Norfolk County Council Project Director Peter Bishop PA/Project Administrator Caroline Haviland

    Contact Details

    Further details on all the information in this article can be found on the LGTF website www.lgtf.org.uk or alternatively call 020 7837 8286

    • Source

    Construction Manager