This Article was produced in Construction News, 17 April 2008, page 35

Where's this revised act?

What happened to the review of The Construction Act, which originally aimed to reduce confrontation and give us better cash flow and fair pay?

Instead of the long awaited improvement, all we have is guidance from the Office of Government and Commerce on best procurement practice, urging the public sector to lead the way.

And what happenes? Overcomplex demands are placed on tenderers and subcontractors are faced with a proliferation of schemes and form filling, as each player attempts to set up his own compliance package.

Faced with the demands of these schemes, one belaguered subconrtactor says: "We invest large sums in the independent assessment of our operation.
"Why should we have to spend more money to buy into each contractor's scheme?
"We pay independent health and safety consultants to audit our systems. We have and environmental policy.
"We are audited for Notified Body Approval on the design of our products. This costs money too. And now, more contractors want money to join their schemes."

What is the point of all of this if contractors ask for up to £3000 to join a pre-tender scheme? The idea behind best practice is to cut the time and money wasted on forms.

The industry should simplify procedures and cut costs.

Richard Noble