Association sets out blueprint for next construction minister

Construction Products Association president Roy Harrison has created a job description for the post of construction minister.

In his speech at the association’s annual lunch last week, he said: “It is essential that the next government appoints a minister whose status and influence reflect how important the industry is.
The objective is to work with the construction industry to ensure that UK plc has a built environment and transport infrastructure second to none.

“The key tasks are:
 Champion the interests of the construction industry across Whitehall and within the cabinet.

 Ensure inter-departmental co-ordination so that regulatory and fiscal measures help improve rather than undermine the industry’s competitiveness.

 Encourage the industry to develop integrated products and processes that will improve health and safety in construction and deliver a more sustainable built environment.

 Insist on best value procurement by all government departments and other public bodies.

 Develop a PPP/PFI framework that works efficiently.”

Harrison concluded: “Only those of sufficient seniority and prepared to do the job full-time will be considered.”