The document, produced by the new Infrastructure & Projects Authority (IPA), updates the Treasury’s earlier strategy published in 2011, and sets out how central government departments – collectively, the construction industry’s largest customer – will deliver £1.7bn billion in efficiencies and support 20,000 apprenticeships over the course of this parliament.
The strategy sets out ambitions for smarter procurement and greater productivity in central government, fairer payment, improving digital skills, embedding BIM, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing the public sector’s capability as a construction client.
“This strategy indicates that the government is listening,” said Iain McIlwee, chief executive of the BWF.
“There is a sensible focus on better supply chain collaboration and early engagement of suppliers. Fair payment is also intrinsic – this is essential to help the supply chain overcome the bullying tactics that are inherent in the way we are currently forced to work.
“It is also encouraging for the timber sector to see front and centre a drive for whole-life approaches to cost and carbon reduction across the construction, operation and maintenance of public sector buildings.”