The publication of the Government Construction Strategy on 31 May signals the Government’s desire to effect a ‘profound change’ in its relationship with construction.  In particular, it wants:

• a 20% reduction in costs by the end of this parliament (2015)
• an improved construction ‘supply side’ with new practices and models that:
  -  replace adversarial cultures with collaborative ones
  -  provide integrated solutions that are focused on required outcomes
  -  more effective engagement of the supply chain in design
  -  effective price benchmarking and cost targeting
  -  ‘alignment of interest’ between building designers and occupiers.

For its part, the Government intends to become a better client.  As part of this, it will:

• establish a Government Construction Board to oversee the Construction Strategy and public expenditure on construction
• publish a rolling two-year programme of infrastructure and construction projects on a quarterly basis, starting autumn 2011. 

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