Construction clients are to be given more say in the operation of government-backed initiatives run by the Construction Industry Board.
The news follows a year-long review of the umbrella group, the results of which were unveiled this week.
Clients will have a say on initiatives such as the Movement for Innovation and the Construction Best Practice Programme through the Confederation of Construction Clients, which will be represented on the CIB.
Under the new proposals, prepared by CIB chairman Chris Vickers, government funding will be cut from 50% to 17% by 2003. The CCC will make up the bulk of the shortfall in return for greater representation on the new board.
In February, client bodies complained that their views were not being represented within the CIB and demanded that they be given more seats on the board.
Speaking at the announcement of the results of the review, construction minister Nick Raynsford praised the CIB’s work and gave his personal approval to the new framework. He said: “I am particularly pleased that the outcome of the review represents a compromise between all the competing views of the various industry bodies and representatives.”
The DETR was criticised earlier this year because of the number of construction initiatives that it was funding. In January, Building revealed that the National Audit Office was investigating government construction policy to establish how much duplication there was.
The CCC is undergoing its own revamp. A new board will be announced in the next two weeks and whoever chairs it will take a seat on the CIB. Current chairman Tony Rochester has ruled himself out.
However, board seats will be taken by practising clients.
