William Eichler 19 June 2018

Building control interventions worth nearly £2bn, academics find

The net economic benefit of public service building control interventions in construction projects could be as high as £1.85bn, new research suggests.

LABC, the member organisation representing local authority building control departments in England and Wales, commissioned academics from the University of Wolverhampton to calculate the social return on investment of building control.

Building control departments are tasked with ensuring buildings are safe and healthy and meet building regulations set by central Government.

The review looked at different ways of measuring value and studied existing published papers to estimate the scale of the financial values involved.

The academics found for 90,000 plans assessed by LABC in 2016/17, the net economic benefit or social return on investment could be as high as £1.85bn per year.

‘As an ex-senior civil servant – at one time Head of the Building Regulations Division – it’s fascinating for me to see the initial estimate from the academic review,’ said Paul Everall, LABC chief executive.

‘There’s clearly more work to be done, but I’m now convinced that LABC should investigate this further working with industry to help establish a more detailed economic return.

‘This value is important to everyone: for policy makers, ministers, local government, property owners, managers and all those professionals in the construction industry.

‘Complying with building standards has a real pay-back. It’s not a question of ticking boxes for their own sake. Our current system – despite all its flaws – still improves the quality, performance, safety and life-span of buildings.'

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service

North Yorkshire Council
£136,853 to £159,178 plus relocation support
North Yorkshire is England's largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £12541.00 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part Time£12,541 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director of Communications and Engagement

City of London
Competitive Salary
This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and political acumen London (City of), London (Greater)
Recuriter: City of London

Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
You will be supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, ageing needs and dementia. This is a frontline role where you will be providing high quality and meaningful activities, medication support, personal care, food and drink prepar Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£25395.0000 - £32131.0000 per annum
The Role As a Community Support Worker, your role will include undertaking Assessments and Reviews in line with our Statutory duties under the Care England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner