For more information on the Construction Employers Federation, T: +44 (0)28 9087 7143 - E: mail@cefni.co.uk visit: www.cefni.co.uk
Homebuilders say developer contribution proposals are ‘fundamentally flawed’
CEF has published a response to the Department for Infrastructure’s consultation on Developer Contributions for Wastewater Infrastructure, concluding its proposals lack sufficient detail and are ‘fundamentally flawed’. After engagement with homebuilders and the wider construction industry, CEF believes the proposals will do little to reverse decades of underinvestment in Northern Ireland’s water and wastewater system. The latest CEF Construction Survey identifies the wastewater and housing crisis as the industry’s number one priority for the NI Executive, with the recent report by the NI Fiscal Council further reinforcing the need to urgently consider alternatives to meet NI Water’s funding need into PC28 and beyond. Mark Spence, Chief Executive of CEF, said, “With no detail whatsoever on what a proposed compulsory levy would be, we find it impossible to support it in principle as it gives rise to significant concerns with respect to site viability, how any levy would be collected, how funds would be ringfenced for wastewater upgrade works and a potential housing lottery, all of which the consultation does not begin to answer. “While we can support the principle of voluntary contributions as a commercial judgement for homebuilders based on an extension of existing processes such as storm water offsetting, we are also clear that this has clear feasibility limitations which must be understood.”
Demonstrating its commitment as a responsible employer, CEF has gained accreditation as a Living Wage Employer. Established after community campaigners successfully fought for pay that meets the cost of living, the Living Wage Foundation brings together employers, people and communities across the UK to shape work that works for everyone. CEF celebrates and complies with the Living Wage Foundation’s Living Pension, Living Wage and Living Hours standards. For further information on how to register your business, visit https://www.livingwage.org.uk/ CEF accredited as a Living Wage Employer The CEF Construction Survey, which collected data from NI-headquartered firms with a collective annual turnover of approximately £3bn, found that turnover has been broadly flat across the last year and profit margins have stagnated. The industry’s three main priorities for the NI Executive are fully funding NI Water’s next Price Control, PC28; agreeing a multi-year capital budget through to 2030 by the end of 2025; and expanding existing joint funding programmes with the Irish government.
L-R: Tracy Windrim and Mark Spence, CEF, and Mary McManus, Living Wage NI.
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