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The Scottish building industry is set to undergo fundamental change. The proposals, which include updating Scotland's building control system and the introduction of a voluntary registration scheme for reputable builders, have been welcomed by the Federation of Master Builders in Scotland.
The consultation paper 'Improving Building Standards', launched by Deputy Transport and Planning Minister Lewis Macdonald, proposes radical changes to Scotland's building control system. The recommendations resulting from the paper will lead to the introduction of a new Building Bill in the 2002/03 Scottish Parliament. The Bill's main objectives will include modernising the existing system, increasing the efficiency of the construction process, reducing red tape and improving building standards across Scotland. It will update a system that dates from the 1950's and is no longer appropriate.
Improved building standards will also result from the registration scheme due to be launched in October. Under the scheme, builders will have to meet a strict criteria that includes operational competence, health and safety compliance, training investment, warranty schemes and financial integrity. The scheme will be run by the provisionally named Scottish Construction Licensing Authority that will be composed of representatives from the main building employers organisations, Office of Fair Trading, Trading Standards, consumer groups, and the Scottish TUC.
Welcoming the proposals, Grahame Barn, Scottish Director of the Federation of Master Builders, said:
"These proposals will allow Scotland to set the standards of building work that others must aspire to. The proposed changes to the building control system will radically overhaul a system that has been in place since the 1950's and is no longer appropriate to the modern construction process. The availability of the registration scheme will give customers the assurance that registered builders are competent and professional. It will allow them to differentiate between reputable builder and the cowboy."
He continued:
"The proposals are the way forward for a modern building industry. We are delighted to be involved in their development."
First posted: 31 August 2001. Last modified: 31 August 2001.
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