More cohesive approach to public sector building needed, warns Wilson

Construction Minister Brian Wilson has warned that the public sector would fail to get full value for billions of pounds of investment in new schools, hospitals and homes unless there is a more cohesive approach to how they are built.

Wilson's comments reflect concerns across government that the taxpayer will not get full value for the massive infrastructure spending
programme which is now underway unless the public sector - which accounts for 40% of construction spending - becomes a more effective client.

He told a construction industry conference in London that there must be more project planning, standardisation of design and reduction of waste in public sector projects if the full benefits of the spending programme are to be obtained.

Wilson said: "There is huge potential to build upon the common elements within projects around the country and thereby reduce
overall costs."

He also emphasised the government's commitment to the "whole-life" costs of a project rather than, as in the past, expecting the public sector to automatically accept lowest tenders - which are very often inflated by the time the work is completed.

Wilson added: "Under this government, there is going to be unprecedented investment in the country's infrastructure, but the
construction industry and its clients need to get it right if we are to get full value for money.

"We all need to focus on long-term value rather than going for the lowest-cost option - an approach endorsed by the National Audit
Office."