L

Lord Aberdare (CB)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 10 September 2024

Debate

Construction Sector: Cash Retentions

Contribution

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that response. Cash retentions—withholding payments due to subcontractors for work done, often for an unreasonable period of time, or indeed for ever—have a highly damaging impact on the ability of small construction firms to invest, expand or even survive, and create pressure to cut corners on quality and safety. The Grenfell report is a shocking reminder of where that can lead. There is a long-standing goal of ending retentions by 2025—I welcome what the Minister has said about the implementation of the reporting requirement—and widespread industry recognition that legislation is needed to achieve this. What plans do the Government have to introduce such legislation, thereby freeing thousands of construction SMEs to play their full part in delivering the Government’s housebuilding goals?

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