Member

I thank everyone again for contributing to this important debate. I hope that noble Lords are fully reassured of the understanding of the impact on small businesses, about the consistency of levy rates and the future of skills governance across the sector; I believe this order gives reassurance on all those points. Retaining long-standing levy rates increases thresholds to continue protecting the smallest firms and stability, as we have discussed, while government undertakes the forthcoming consultation around the future of the industry training boards. Regardless of those future decisions, the industry cannot afford a gap in funding. Approving this order provides continuity, stability and confidence for construction employees across England, Scotland and Wales. For those reasons, I commend this levy order to the Committee.