Construction employers have voted by over 2 to 1 to retain the Construction Industry Training Board’s levy.
Final results from the survey of 14 trade bodies and 4,000 non-represented firms reveal that 77% of employers support the levy, representing 70% of levy paid in.
The survey also revealed that the majority of firms of all sizes support the levy – 74% of large and medium firms, 76% of small firms and 72% of micro firms all voted in favour.
Following CITB’s biggest-ever consultation with industry, the proposed levy rate for this year was set at 0.35% for all PAYE employers, down from 0.5% in previous years.
The subcontractor NET CIS rate remains at 1.25%.
But trade bodies are united in calling for radical reform at the training body.
Contractors are calling for a refreshed approach to governance that reflects the industry as a whole and its complex supply chain.
They also want more certainty about the future of grant funded training and a simpler approach to funding applications.
The scheme is estimated to cost £10m and hundreds of jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase as well as many long-term jobs created in the new units.
Guy Hollis from the applicant, Matagorda 2 Ltd said: “We are delighted to be able to rejuvenate the Odyssey Pavilion, bringing it back to being a key component of Belfast’s leisure and entertainment offering. Our key objective is to improve the overall visual quality and tenant offering of the Pavilion, making it a more attractive and user friendly destination.”
“The scheme will help in the ongoing and successful regeneration of the Titanic Quarter and drive additional footfall to this part of the city.”
Robert Fitzpatrick, CEO The Odyssey Trust Company said: “For some years , the Odyssey Pavilion has suffered from under investment in comparison to W5 and the SSE Arena. It is now very heartening to see the new owner make a strong long-term commitment to what is an extremely important asset for the people of Northern Ireland. The Odyssey Trust looks forward to this significant investment in the pavilion and the progression through planning to refurbishment.”
| How trade bodies voted | Response |
| Build UK | YES |
| British Woodworking Federation (BWF) | YES |
| Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) | YES |
| Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) | YES |
| Federation of Master Builders (FMB) | YES |
| Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) | NO |
| Hire Association Europe (HAE) | YES |
| Home Builders Federation (HBF) | NO |
| National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) | YES |
| National Federation of Builders (NFB) | YES |
| National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) | YES |
| Scottish Building Federation (SBF) | NO |
| Scottish Decorators Federation (SDF) | NO |
| Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) | YES |
Build UK chief executive Suzannah Nichol said: “CITB needs to fundamentally reform and be accountable to the industry, but it can only do that if we all play our part and make sure we are clear in our ambitions and expectations.”
Civil Engineering Contractors Association chief executive Alasdair Reisner said: “Our members were clear that they continued to support CITB, but wanted it to build on the positive moves to reform that we have seen in recent months. Today’s announcement lets that process get underway.”
Sarah Beale, CEO at CITB, said: “While we have been backed by our industry, we’ve heard the calls for change loud and clear.
“Be assured that we will continue listening to industry and along with recommendations from the Government’s upcoming review into industry training boards, will use all we learn to inform our reform process.
“We are completely committed to modernising our organisation by renewing governance, ensuring accountability and improving outcomes. It is what industry expects and we will deliver.”
The results will now be submitted to the Department for Education for verification and approval before the Secretary of State asks Parliament to approve the new levy order.
