The latest construction output figures by the ONS shows that the industry has rebounded.
New work activity in November rose by 3.5%, this saw an overall 1.9% rise in month-on-month work, taking construction 0.6% above the February pre-pandemic level of output.
Infrastructure led the way with 9.6% month on month growth.
A national regulator has been established to ensure homes are built from safe materials.
This follows the recent testimony to the Grenfell inquiry that highlighted dishonest practice by some manufacturers of construction projects.
The regulator will operate within the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and will be given £10 million in funding to establish the new function.
The government has extended its trade credit insurance (TCI) scheme to 30th June 2021.
The scheme ensures that trade credit insurance coverage and credit limits are maintained during the pandemic, helping businesses to trade with confidence.
Reductions to cashflow and the increased risk of insolvency have seen TCI withdrawn, premiums increase, or level of cover reduced.
The proposed funding cuts to key transports initiatives in the north of England will delay economic recovery says northern leaders.
Whilst the decision is yet to be agreed upon, the Department of Transport has set out its intention to award less than half the funds for the Transport for the North budget.
The cut could include core funding to £6m from £10m previously.
(Sources:
Article 1 – Construction recovers to pre-pandemic level | Construction Enquirer News
Article 2 – New regulator established to ensure construction materials are safe | Mirage News
Article 3 – Extension for trade credit insurance scheme (theconstructionindex.co.uk)
Article 4 – Transport budget cuts threaten levelling-up agenda, say northern leaders | Infrastructure Intelligence)
...It Shouldn't Cost The Earth
