CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > February 2024 23 POLICY: 2 • What policy measures and steps do you think the government could take, to encourage the decarbonisation of NRMM fleets? Steps could include introducing a scrappage scheme for existing diesel-powered equipment, reintroduction of the rebate for HVO or other bio-diesels, extending the Full Expensing Allowance for the plant and rental equipment industries. While the consultation itself closes on 26th March, we can expect a response and the next stages of policy engagement, to come after the election. While we would like the Westminster machine to operate at full throttle, the general election will inevitably have an impact on day-to-day departmental business. Whatever happens politically, this is a really important consultation, and we are keen to see as many CPA members as possible, take part. In other areas, we expect the Department for Education to publish its response to its review of the Industrial Training Boards (ITB), namely the Engineering and Construction ITBs. The CPA took part in the initial consultation last summer, with our main calls concentrating on greater clarity in the role of the CITB and how it works with the plant-hire sector. CPA members are already taking responsibility for a lot of the training that takes place in the sector - this is set to continue. Whatever the Department for Education review finds and recommends, the CITB is set to produce its own strategy and hold the CITB Consensus which was initially meant to be held last year. As a prescribed organisation (PO), the CPA sits on the CITB PO Leaders Forum and represents the plant-hire sector through the consensus process to all members who pay the CITB Levy. Although the timing of the general election may well impact on the Consensus timetable, it is an important opportunity for members to take part and indicate their level of support for the CITB and the role of the Levy. As the year takes shape and policies emerge, the CPA will be holding politicians and policymakers to account on what they can do to help shape and grow the UK’s plant-hire sector. By the time of publication, I hope we have held the first in a series of meetings with the Treasury, to discuss the technical aspects of extending Full Expensing to the plant hire sector. As a member of the technical working group, we expect the first meetings to be held in January. The CPA will also be meeting with the Greater London Assembly NRMM Working Group, a revival of a previous body that looked at the impact of legislation in Greater London and the role of construction equipment in air quality and the impact of construction equipment movement in London. It is an important body to be a member of, and I hope over the course of the year, to be able to report on progress and our involvement in setting the agenda and making London local authorities aware of the need for policies that are realistic and proportionate. Above all, if I was asked by any of the main parties looking for votes and to hold office by this time next year, what I would want, my elevator pitch would be for policies that recognise the role of the plant-hire sector - and the role of construction in building economic growth. We want a long-term outlook in decision making (especially when it comes to infrastructure policies - see HS2 as an example of what can go wrong), consistency in approach, and a business environment that builds confidence, provides incentives, and encourages companies to invest in people and equipment. That is not too much to ask. Is it? • Heavy lifting specialists for commercial and residential sites • Freestanding tall tower cranes ideal for cladding application • Pre-cast and pod specialist – 10t+ lifts • Modern fleet of luffing, saddle jib and remote-controlled cranes • Focus on health and safety CONTACT US TODAY WEB tower-crane.co.uk TEL 01453 811754 EMAIL sales@tower-crane.co.uk Leave the heavy lifting to us FOR HIRE AND FOR SALE UK RAIMONDI DEALER Download our FREE Buyer’s Guide bit.ly/3fGyfL1 Luffing jib Saddle jib Remote-controlled