The Government's manifesto promises early excellence centres for schools, improved social housing and a faster planning system. Labour would also reform tax treatment for small businesses.
The Conservatives have set out long-term investment plans for roads and public transport and would give councils the power to extend green belts.
The Liberal Democrats are the only party that has promised to cut vat on the repair of buildings, but would pay for it by introducing vat on new- build work. While the government would press on with plans for the Quality Mark to combat cowboy builders, the Lib Dems propose workmanship guarantees.
Labour would like to see more progress made on the Egan agenda. "Partnering has to be accepted widely rather than seen as a new way to work," said construction minister Nick Raynsford. "It needs to become the norm."
The health and safety targets set at February's safety summit would be a priority and Raynsford admitted that more work was needed on the Inland Revenue's construction industry tax scheme and the Constructionline vetting service.
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor
