CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYERS FEDERATION THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY
ENGAGEMENT WITH NI HOUSING EXECUTIVE
NEXT STEPS ON BUILDING REGULATIONS AND THE FUTURE OF THE ELECTRICITY GRID A delegation of members recently met with DoF, DfE and SIB officials to discuss the impact of building regulation changes on new build developments and the links between these changes and grid connections. This meeting took place in the context of there being a delay in the next proposed uplift that was due this year – this is now likely to be at some point in 2024 due to the NI Executive needing to be in place to approve the consultation, accompanied by concerns regarding NIE Networks’ grid. Additionally, we continue to await the Utility Regulator consultation on the proposed socialisation of connection charges – as well as the NIE Networks consultation on its forthcoming Price Control proposals. In the context of members raising a significant number of issues with NIHE planned and response maintenance contracts, a number of meetings have recently been held with senior representatives of NIHE to discuss improvements to contract delivery as well as future tenders. This work – through several working groups – remains ongoing and has recently focused on matters such as assessing quality submissions.
PLANNING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME Although the fundamental reforms that are required to our planning system are delayed while we await the formation of a NI Executive, the Department for Infrastructure has established an interim regional planning commission to advance and oversee its improvement programme. At a practical level, the CEF is directly involved in work with DfI around improving the existing pre-application community consultation and pre-application discussion processes, while also attending separate workshops on the new planning portal given concerns within the sector as to its existing usability.
FOCUS ON WESTMINSTER While we remain without an NI Executive, we retain a strong interest in matters progressing through Westminster and the UK Government which affect Northern Ireland. These include the advancing of the legislation for a 2023/24 NI Executive Budget; the imminent legislation relating to the Procurement Bill/Act which will, in around a year from now, effect significant change in the existing public procurement regulations; the implementation of the Building Safety Act in GB and what medium- term impact this may have locally and; proposals around amending and improving the existing Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations on which we are engaging with colleagues at Build UK regarding their response to the current consultation.
14 | NI BUILDER
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