Construction leaders have expressed disappointment about the first meeting of the CIPER.

A source said officials failed to give proper insight into policy decisions. The group was set up to improve collaboration between the industry and government by allowing civil servants to comment on proposed regulation at an early stage.

However, one attendee at the meeting last month said it dealt only with existing policy.

The source said: “Even as a first meeting, it was slightly disappointing. Thus far CIPER has added little value to the industry’s involvement in policy formation. Maybe five years down the line that will have changed, but I wouldn’t like to say for sure.”

Another source was more upbeat. He said: “There was a willingness to work together, and I was pleased with the range of industry and government officials present.”