I am surprised Sir John Egan didn't anticipate a complete failure by the public sector to achieve his targets. In fact, based on my acquaintances' experiences, the service we get from so-called public servants has reached an all-time low.
Our industry in particular has seen the number of public sector organisations involved increase exponentially, with a similar increase in delays in getting developments on site.
The efficiency - or lack of - displayed by the public sector is breathtaking, and yet we get no apologies. If we complain, the delays increase. They have us over a barrel and the only reaction this behaviour engenders is for the private sector to vote out the sitting government. Shame on us for such apathy!
Some departments within the public sector are extremely efficient parking wardens, VAT office, tax inspectors. Those responsible for collecting money from the private sector are certainly on the ball. But the regulatory organisations we have to deal with in construction have no interest in improving the huge delays caused by their involvement.
Any industry poll would give unanimous response stating complete dissatisfaction with the public sector, so why do we accept this unsustainable situation?
Ordinarily, if we were unhappy with a service, we would take our business elsewhere. Why must we continue to pay for something that is not worth half of what we pay? Can anyone give me an answer to this conundrum?
Michael Dewar
Dewar Associates
Glasgow