Department of the Environment,
Transport and the Regions
Rethinking Construction
CHAPTER 1
The Need to Improve
- The Construction Task Force has been set up by the
Deputy Prime Minister against a background of deep
concern in the industry and among its clients that the
construction industry is under-achieving, both in terms
of meeting its own needs and those of its clients.
- Construction in the UK is one of the pillars of the
domestic economy. The industry in its widest sense is
likely to have an output of some £58 billions in
1998, equivalent to roughly 10% of GDP, and employs
around 1.4 million people. It is simply too important to
be allowed to stagnate.
- UK construction at its best is
excellent. We applaud the engineering ingenuity and
design flair that are renowned both here and overseas.
The industry is also eminently flexible. Its labour force
is willing, adaptable and able to work in the harshest
conditions. Its capability to deliver the most difficult
and innovative projects matches that of any other
construction industry in the world.
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The Terms of Reference of the Construction
Task Force
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To advise the Deputy Prime Minister from the
clients' perspective on the opportunities to
improve the efficiency and quality of delivery of
UK construction, to reinforce the impetus for
change and to make the industry more responsive to
customer needs.
The Task Force will:
- quantify the scope for improving
construction efficiency and derive relevant
quality and efficiency targets and performance
measures which might be adopted by UK
construction;
- examine current practice and the scope for
improving it by innovation in products and
processes;
- identify specific actions and good practice
which would help achieve more efficient
construction in terms of quality and customer
satisfaction, timeliness in delivery and value
for money;
- identify projects to help demonstrate the
improvements that can be achieved through the
application of best practice.
The Deputy Prime Minister wishes especially to
be advised on improving the quality and efficiency
of housebuilding.
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Published 16 July 1998
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