CIC welcomes moves to cut red tape

Media Release – for immediate release

24 March 2008

CIC welcomes moves to cut red tape

Chair of the Construction Industry Council, Richard Michael, has welcomed today’s announcement by Government aimed at cutting red tape in the building industry.

“With houses becoming more and more unaffordable for first-time buyers and those on low wage rates, any moves to cut costs are to be applauded,” he said.

“These moves should also speed up the existing legal processes around building new homes and renovating existing properties.”

Changes announced include reducing the number of building projects which will require a Project Information Memorandum (PIM).

“This is a sensible first step on the part of the Government in reducing compliance costs. However, we believe that PIMs should be made optional because there are many situations where they do not add any value. There has been a considerable increase in the maturity of the building sector in recent times and we believe such a change would be welcomed by clients and builders alike,” said Mr Michael.

“Moves to reduce the number of activities that require a consent and provided multiple use consents are also eminently sensible. This is what the industry has been advocating and it is gratifying that the Government has heard the industry voice.”

Some of the changes will affect the way that local government works with the industry through use of on-line building consent facilities and regionally based consent processing units.

“The increased use of technology is long overdue in the industry and must eventually lead to a more standardised approach across local authorities. This greater level of standardisation is a key goal of our industry and we encourage local government to embrace these proposals as quickly as possible.

“Obviously there are a number of other issues that need attention in the sector but all in all these changes look like a sensible steps to solving some important issues. They need to be implemented as soon as practicable and I call on all parties in the House to work together to make this happen,” said Mr Michael.

ENDS

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