Four leading UK building control bodies have formed an alliance to tackle industry-wide building control issues in a more co-ordinated way.

The formation of the Building Control alliance will give government and the construction industry a more focused approach on issues where greater coherence can make a difference.

The four members:

• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Association of Building Engineers (ABE)
• Association of Consultant Approved Inspectors (ACAI)
• Local Authority Building Control (LABC)

will expand on existing joint initiatives where a collaborative approach has been successful.

The alliance’s first initiative is to develop a vision for the future of Building Control, including opportunities for improving service delivery to designers and contractors and ways to meet the public’s needs.

RICS Building Control Faculty board member David McCullogh said:

"I am delighted to be taking part in the Building Control Alliance.  An efficient and dynamic building control system is integral to the construction industry and crucial to meeting government’s intentions. 

"Presenting the industry's views effectively and maximising the value of the work carried out by its representative bodies requires cooperation between its leading players.

"I think that the Building Control Alliance has the potential to plug some of the gaps that exist."

Paul Everall, Chief Executive of Local Authority Building Control (LABC), said:

"Local authorities have a vital role to play in ensuring that the actions necessary to reduce the impact of climate change are taken, whilst at the same time ensuring that construction results in safe and healthy buildings.

"I am delighted that LABC is joining in this Alliance with the other professional bodies, and I look forward to promoting the positive nature of building control."

Paul Timmins, Chairman of the Association of Consultant Approved Inspectors (ACAI), said:

"We need, as a full representative group, to propose effective changes in the Building Control system for the near future that focus upon supporting the important outcomes of achieving compliance with the Building Regulations and its relationship with the construction community in achieving those goals."

David Gibson, Chief Executive of the Association of Building Engineers, said:

"The Association is pleased to join the Alliance, and looks forward to working with other member organisations as a collaborative voice to proactively influence and address the current challenges and issues that are being experienced industry wide.   

"A collaborative approach will reinforce the credibility and stance of the representative organisations in respect of Building Control and enhance the support to their members and other professionals working within the Building Control arena."

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