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News Release from: National Home Improvement Council [NHIC] | Subject: Construction election agenda
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 09 March 2005
NHIC backs construction election agenda
The National Home Improvement Council backs construction election agenda and underlines special commitments.
The National Home Improvement Council is one of seven principal construction industry organisations that have drawn up a joint political agenda for all MPs to seriously consider as the 2005 general election approaches Graham Ponting, Director of the NHIC, said: "We are pleased to be part of this very special initiative which is primarily aimed at highlighting the very significant role of the UK construction industry in today's successful economy"
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 30 Nov 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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"It's so important that the industry receives the full backing of the next government if it is to maintain and meet the requirements of a providing the nation's industrial, commercial and domestic infrastructure." The NHIC is particularly concerned about reducing CO2 emissions through greater energy efficiency and sustainable improvements to the nation's existing housing stock in both the private and social sectors.
Ponting suggested that the new government must "seriously consider further financial incentives in terms of energy saving devices and a more positive approach to reducing VAT on all home improvements and energy efficiency measures".
""Also, there must be an even greater commitment from the new government to help eliminate the numbers of rogue traders, such as cowboy builders, who annually cause millions of pounds worth of misery to unsuspecting homeowners.
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We believe that reducing VAT is a key element in all this and would actually help reduce the 'black economy' and put more money into the Treasury coffers," Ponting explained".
"The other organisations involved in this political initiative are Construction Products Association, Construction Industry Council, Federation of Master Builders, National Specialist Contractors Association, Specialist Engineering Contractors Council and the Plumbing and Heating Industry Alliance".
"The election agenda urges politicians of all parties to commit to providing the following: * A strong influential voice for the whole construction industry In Whitehall and the Cabinet with closer inter-departmental co-ordination on a range of cross cutting issues".
"* Sustained and consistent investment in new and improved public services and infrastructure with targets for planned delivery and a procurement strategy that focuses on best value".
"* A reduction in the amount of red tape currently acting as a burden on the industry and independent regulatory impact assessments for all new and revised legislation".
"* Sustainable development policies which recognise the needs as well as the responsibilities of the industry".
"* Incentives for householders to improve the energy efficiency of their properties".
"* An improved planning system that works more quickly and effectively".
"Michael Ankers, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association, said: This agenda emphasises to potential MPs the crucial role that construction plays in providing either the new and improved public buildings such as hospitals and schools which are essential to people's quality of life, or the roads and railways which are vital to UK business competitiveness".
"The agenda also highlights the way in which government can improve the way it deals with the construction industry and lighten the regulatory burden which is hampering its ability to do business.".
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