client information sheets

For the last four years The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act has been the subject of, at times animated, discussions as to how it could be improved. A significant step along the road to change took place last week with the publication by BERR (formally the DTI) of draft amendments to the Act.

The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a government funded not-for-profit company, is offering grants on a competitive tender basis to construction companies who are committed to lowering the levels of waste they send for landfill.

More rights for agency workers

What does the political deal announced on 20 May mean for users of temps and contractors in the Construction and Development sector?

This client information sheet outlines the obligations of the 'client' and 'principal contractor' under the Site Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008 (SWMP Regulations).

It is worth revisiting the 2005 decision of the Court of Appeal in Viasystems (Tyneside) Limited –v– Thermal Transfer (Northern) Limited which established that, contrary to a previously long held assumption, it is possible for two parties to be vicariously liable for the acts of a negligent individual.

Best Fair Payment Practices guide

On 19 September, the OCG (Office of Government Commerce) published the "Best Fair Payment Practices" guide for the construction industry. The guide represents a cross-industry consensus on best practice relating to payment.

Revised Technology and Construction Court guide takes effect from 1 October 2007 (September 2007)

The second edition of The Technology and Construction Court guide (the guide) was issued on the 3 October 2005. The first revision of the guide has been published and takes effect from 1 October 2007. This alert briefly summaries the changes made to the guide.

In June 2007 BERR (formerly known as the DTI), as part of its second consultation about possible reform, issued a consultation paper that proposes changes to Part II of The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 and the Scheme for Construction Contracts (England and Wales) Regulations 1998. This alert briefly summaries some of the proposed amendments yet to be finalised or incorporated into legislation.

The existing Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994, deemed by the Government to be too complicated, have been replaced with the like named 2007 Regulations which are still more complicated. This alert focuses on the duties of the 'client' – the person who, in practical terms, is procuring the works.