In response to the Government's consultation for changes to the Local Authority Building Control charging regime, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has called for a payment system that rewards good builders with lower Building Control fees and penalises poor quality and building control non-compliance.

The CIOB response outlines why it feels this consultation will introduce a more flexible risk based approach to inspections. This would allow the introduction of a transparent and fair charging process that offers an opportunity to reward good practice, promote higher sustainability standards and provides a level playing field for all Building Control providers and a value based public and industry service.

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The CIOB seeks fee regulations that help raise standards and reward quality penalising Building Control non-compliance. The CIOB also seeks greater clarity and definition of any fee regulations that act as an incentive for 'green' building and the implementation of these in a fairer way. It is also highly desirable that fee regulations promote quality builders whilst exposing the 'cowboy builder' as a more expensive alternative. The CIOB also feels that all companies to which Building Control inspections are outsourced must comply with all the regulations and requirements.

Kevin Dawson, CIOB Ambassador and Chair of the Faculty of Building Control and Standards at the CIOB said: "The CIOB welcomes the opportunity for introducing a transparent, more flexible and fair charging regime that provides a level playing field for all Building Control providers and a value based public and industry service. The CIOB would like to assist in the development of the proposals put forward. We can offer a wealth of experience and expertise via our network of members including the 'CIOB Ambassadors' and also via our Building Control faculty which offers an excellent platform to facilitate this debate."

(CD/JM)