Wales' Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, addressed the Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) conference in Cardiff, where she called for a "Team Wales" approach to the challenges faced by the construction industry.
Following the UK Government’s Spending Review, the Minister told conference that cost-effective collaboration between the public sector and construction industry in Wales is now even more important for long-term economic recovery:
The Minister said: "The UK Government’s Spending Review presents a major challenge for us in Wales. We are now in the process of working through the implications of the spending review and determining our spending plans for the coming years.
"Capital investment has always been part of our response to the economic downturn. With the repercussions of financial crises felt across the construction industry, it was important that we did what we could to maintain jobs and outputs. Unlike the UK Government, which decided to withdraw its capital investment, we have drawn on year end flexibility available to us to meet the £49m capital cuts we face in the current year. That has allowed us to maintain our planned programme of capital investment in hospitals, schools, houses and roads."
At a time of reduced budgets, the Minister emphasised that cost-effective procurement and value for money are of paramount importance, but not at the expense of high-quality roads and buildings.
She continued: "We will need to ensure that we get all possible value from every pound that we spend going forward. In doing so, we must make sure that our procurement opportunities are sufficiently open so that businesses in Wales can access and win contracts. It will, however, be incredibly important that we avoid the pitfall of returning to lowest price tendering, which rarely results in best value outcomes."
(CD/GK)
Construction News
27/10/2010
Team Wales Approach Can Build Strong Foundations For Construction Industry

04/07/2025
JV North has announced the list of contractors and consultants appointed to its £500 million social housebuilding framework, which aims to deliver around 3,000 homes across the North West over the next four years.
The housing consortium, which includes 14 members, launched the procurement process i

04/07/2025
Work has officially started on preparing Eston Precinct for demolition, marking the first step in a major regeneration project led by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.
Esh Construction has been appointed to deliver the scheme, which will begin with the safe removal of asbestos and the soft strip

04/07/2025
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero hasgranted development consent for the Mona Offshore Wind Farm.
The scheme, located in the Irish Sea, will deliver approximately 1,500MW of clean energy capacity and forms part of the Round 4 Offshore Wind Licensing Arrangements. The applicati

04/07/2025
The restoration of Chatham’s iconic Brook Theatre is officially underway, with the appointment of contractors to carry out the £21 million transformation of the 125-year-old building.
Originally opened in 1899 as Chatham Town Hall, the Grade II listed Renaissance-style landmark has served the commu

04/07/2025
Work to upgrade a flood-prone section of Stockbridge Road in Timsbury is set to begin later this month, as part of a joint project between the Environment Agency and Hampshire County Council to improve local flood defences.
Starting on 28 July, the five-week scheme will deliver vital improvements a

04/07/2025
Oldham's town centre regeneration has taken a major step forward, with planning consent now granted for all six sites earmarked for transformation through the partnership between Muse and Oldham Council.
The approval represents a significant milestone in the long-term vision to create a vibrant, in

04/07/2025
As temperatures soared during this week's heatwave, euroloo's innovative EcoWelfare units proved to be a game-changer on construction and outdoor sites across the country.
Designed with comfort and sustainability in mind, these multi-functional welfare units offer everything teams need to stay pro

04/07/2025
Atlas Site Engineering, a trusted name in precision setting out and site engineering services, continues to support the construction industry with expert solutions ranging from small residential extensions to multi-storey high-rise developments.
With a reputation for accuracy and reliability, Atlas

03/07/2025
Associated British Ports (ABP) has submitted a reserved matters application for 103,000 sq ft of speculative industrial and logistics space at Helm @ Immingham.
This marks the first phase of development at the 227-acre site.
The scheme will deliver a range of purpose-built units from 4,820 sq ft

03/07/2025
First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) is set to begin a major new phase of energy efficiency upgrades this month, with a £6.1 million investment aimed at improving 645 homes across the borough.
Starting 14 July, properties in Abbey Hills, Roundthorn, Shaw, and several estates in Chadderton will receive