Weekly Policy Update |
up to Friday 11th April 2025
Information provided by National Constructing Excellence
New Council of Expert Advisors appointed in NISTA
The Council will support the implementation of the 10-year infrastructure strategy and the delivery of NISTA’s wider objectives. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has set up a new Council of Expert Advisors to support the work of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). The Council will bring the impartial and expert advice of experienced practitioners to support the implementation of the government’s 10-year infrastructure strategy and delivery of NISTA’s objectives. New Council of Expert Advisors appointed in NISTA – GOV.UK
Government announces that it will work with industry to train up a ‘clean power army’
On Monday 7 April, the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, told industry, unions and trade bodies that the government will collaborate to build a ‘clean power army’ to hit ambitious targets for clean power by 2030. The government is driving forward with its Regional Skills Pilot initiative in the clean energy sector with Aberdeen, Cheshire, Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire all being identified as key growth regions for clean energy. Local partners will receive funding to identify the skills support that is needed in their area to deliver clean power by 2030. National Grid, SSE, and Scottish Power plan to increase their workforce and create a total of over 90,000 jobs between them by the end of the decade.
Technology and Energy Secretaries of State chair first meeting of AI Energy Council
On Tuesday 8 April, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle, and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband, convened the first meeting of the AI Energy Council. The discussions focused on how the UK can advance its AI and energy goals, with ministers joined by representatives from across the energy and technology sectors. The Secretaries of State led conversations on the council’s five key areas of focus for the year ahead, which will be:
- Ensuring the UK’s energy system is ready to support the country’s AI and compute infrastructure,
- Promoting sustainability and the use of renewable energy solutions,
- Placing a strong focus on promoting the safe and secure adoption of AI across the energy system,
- Advising on how AI can be adopted to support the transition to net zero, and
- Unlocking opportunities to make the grid more flexible.
Integrated settlements 2025 to 2026
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the West Midlands Combined Authority received the details of their integrated settlement funding for 2025-26 which outlines the funding allocations for local growth, transport, adult skills, housing and employment support. The letters also detail the principles and conditions under which the grants are provided, including reporting requirements and financial flexibilities.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) outline new commitments for local audit reform
On Wednesday 9 April, MHCLG announced new reforms to repair the “broken” local audit system. Sixteen commitments have been set out including simplifying financial reporting requirements and increasing capacity to avoid reliance on a small number of auditors. The reforms will be backed by up to £49m of support to help councils clear their backlogs and cover the additional cost of restoring audit assurance. Releasing funds to councils will rely on compliance with statutory backstops and linked to the publication of audited accounts and audit fees being paid. The Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon, said a “functioning local audit system is the bedrock of local transparency and accountability, so we are fixing the foundations of local government”.
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) launches residential retrofit and improving energy guide
On Friday 4 April, RICS launched its guide for retrofitting homes. According to the Climate Change Committee, residential retrofits need to increase to a rate of 500,000 per year from 2025, and one million per year by 2030 to meet the government’s net zero target. In March 2024, RICS launched its first residential retrofit standard, which set down key rules for professionals working on retrofit projects. This new guide provides important information for the consumer-side of this work including heating system, appliances, ventilation, insulation, and professional energy audits.
Government responds to ECO 4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme consultation
On Monday 7 April, the government published its response to the mid-scheme review of ECO 4 and the Great British Insultation Scheme consultation. The consultation, which has 122 responses, received broad support for proposals such as installing loft and cavity wall insulation together and allowing smart thermostats as secondary measures for low-income households. The key changes include integrating ECO 4 delivery with GBIS obligations, updating rural area definitions, and encouraging smart meter installations through a voluntary consumer pledge.
In the news
There’s never been a better time to improve the built environment, Futurebuild
Construction returns to growth after two tough months | Construction Enquirer News
New competence framework tackles ‘race to the bottom’ that led to Grenfell – Construction Management
Clients keeping cool amid Trump tariff chaos, says Turner & Townsend Alinea | News | Building
Planning bill ‘throws environmental protection to the wind’, say UK nature chiefs | Green politics | The Guardianjor schemes, experts warn | News | Building