Newsbriefs

Citation

(2012), "Newsbriefs", Structural Survey, Vol. 30 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2012.11030baa.002

Newsbriefs

Newsbriefs

Article Type: Newsbriefs From: Structural Survey, Volume 30, Issue 2.

Royal society calls for sixth-form reforms

Keywords: Post-16 education, Mathematics, Science, Reform

The Royal Society is calling for fundamental reform of the A-level system leading to the introduction of an A-level based baccalaureate or similar qualification. The new qualification would give students the opportunity to study a greater breadth of subjects, including science and maths. Professor Dame Athene Donald FRS said: “The finding that a significant and increasing number of schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland do not present a single physics A-level candidate defies belief and aptly demonstrates the critical shortfall in science students from which we now suffer. There can be no doubt that the lack of science and mathematics specialist teachers plays a significant role in the decline in participation in A-levels in these subjects, which has the potential to be hugely damaging to the prospects of both the individual student and our nation as a whole. There is a need for action on an unprecedented scale to address this problem if we are to ensure our economic competitiveness in a world that is increasingly dependent on science and technology”.

RICS consultation to address concerns over dysfunctional market for valuations

Keywords: Insurance, Negligence, Valuation

RICS has launched a consultation to tackle problems about current risk and pricing in professional indemnity insurance (PII) in the UK valuation sector that are creating market dysfunction. The quantity and cost of handling alleged negligence claims is having a significant impact on the cost of PII, not just for firms that have received claims but for the market as a whole. These structural problems could reduce client protection, limit competition within the market and lead to market failure. RICS is looking to combat this and has commissioned a working group of valuation experts, including Sir Bryan Carsberg, and key members of the insurance industry. Some key recommendations are: RICS to work with insurers to examine whether an alternative approach to the current claim system could work, and what the impact would be on the market, valuers and the wider public; RICS to consult government agencies and regulators to assess the impact of decreasing industry competition; RICS to explore the option of an alternative scheme to assist with claims above a given value threshold; RICS, valuation firms, insurers and lenders to review risk and reward levels in contracts. RICS is extremely concerned about the practice of speculative claim letters being sent to property valuers on behalf of banks. For this reason, a working group has been established to assess the problem and create a set of recommendations for their members and the wider public, aimed at tackling the issue.

Reform of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI)

Keywords: Finance, Public sector, Review

The government has called for evidence on the reform of the PFI. All interested parties are invited to respond to a call for evidence on the reform of PFI and to bring forward proposals for a new approach to using the private sector in the delivery of public assets and services. In particular, feedback is sought from industry participants with an active role in the delivery and operation of public facilities; from those with an interest in investing in these projects; and from across the public sector, academics, think tanks, employees and wider stakeholders. Central to the development of new delivery models are the objectives of long-term value for money for the taxpayer, more effective use of private-sector innovation and skills, reducing costs, improving flexibility and increasing transparency. The treasury will also be looking to retain the benefits that successful PFI can deliver – in getting projects built to time and to budget and increasing the correct disciplines and incentives on the private sector to manage risk effectively.

Warning to government over plans to abolish school work experience placements

Keywords: Education, Placements, Work experience

The Forum of Private Business has expressed concern at government proposals to scrap mandatory work experience for GCSE pupils. The not-for-profit support group warned in a letter to the Department for Education – which is currently consulting on plans to remove the statutory requirement for Key Stage 4 (14-16-year olds) pupils to complete at least two weeks of work experience – that doing so will further reduce the number of work-ready youngsters entering the job market. In fact, the Forum says that far from removing the current provision, the government should be looking at expanding work experience placements to further prepare youngsters on the brink of starting their working lives. The Forum's letter does, however, welcome the government's proposals to improve vocational programmes for young people, which it says is vital to fulfil employee requirements of small firms. It also welcomed plans for improved links between educators and local business leaders.

Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) events for building professionals 2012

Keywords: Heritage, Professionals, Training

Throughout 2012, SPAB offers a variety of technical days and afternoons specifically designed to provide information and sometimes first-hand practical experience for architects, surveyors, engineers, builders and conservation officers. Most events are suitable for CPD and take place at SPAB's London HQ in Spitalfields – a notable exception this year is the day-long Brickwork Masterclass (in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces) taking place at Hampton Court in April. Brick specialist Emma Simpson will show how the Tudor chimneys at the palace have been repaired and rebuilt. To enquire about the courses or to make a booking contact SPAB courses organiser, Skye Dillon (+44 (0) 207 456 0915), e-mail: skye@spab.org.uk

New data shows year-end drop in house building

Keywords: Housing, Market, Trends, UK

Figures from NHBC show the total number of new homes registered in the UK remained static in 2011 compared with 2010. With little relief for the house-building industry at the end of 2011, NHBC is urging the government to keep house-building high on its agenda for 2012. The number of new homes registered with NHBC in the UK reached 115,020 by the end of 2011; a little below 2010 figures (115,458). In 2007, when house building was at a pre-recession high, this figure was almost double, with 200,700 new homes registered that year.

The JCT contracts digital service

Keywords: Building contracts, Digital service

The new editions of JCT 2011 contracts are now available digitally so they can be edited on screen and clauses for use in future contracts can be saved. The JCT Contracts Digital Service informs users about new or updated contracts when they log-in, and automatically presents the user with the latest version of the contract. It also provides the JCT 2011 Contract Guides and gives guidance on how to complete contracts, in a readily understandable Q&A format. The JCT Contracts Digital Service is available in Complete and Small Works editions.

UK economy set to remain flat in the near term

Keywords: Economy, Construction, Housing, Real estate, UK

The RICS view on the UK economy for 2012 is fairly bleak. News that the economy may have contracted in the final three months of last year according to preliminary analysis of the official data has revived fears of a double-dip recession. In truth, the expectations for the latter part of last year and the first half of 2012 were pretty downbeat so the concerns now being expressed should not have come as a surprise. Business confidence has been badly affected by the turmoil in the euro area which resulted in the sector scaling back investment plans while household spending continues to be undermined by high inflation squeezing the value of real incomes. The key challenge on the inflation front is likely to be presented by the prospect of an embargo on oil exports from Iran and what this might mean for energy prices.

Against this market backdrop, it is not surprising that the news emanating from the real estate sector remains generally quite disappointing. The recently released RICS Commercial Market Survey was pretty clear in highlighting the ongoing risks to both the occupier and investment markets. Indeed, it continues to show falling occupier demand and rising availability, which is leading to an increasingly negative rental outlook. In the construction sector, sentiment is also generally cautious. Finance is once again a key issue with anything resembling speculative development well off the agenda. Although the government has raised the prospect of institutional funding for major infrastructure projects, even if successful this is something for the future and will provide precious little relief in the near term. Finally, in the housing market there has been some evidence of a little more money becoming available and this has been reflected in the number of mortgages approved climbing to their best level since March 2010 according to the British Bankers Association. Even so, the actual level of transaction levels still remains at historically low levels and high deposits are still being demanded of first time buyers.