The government has launched a formal call for evidence in its consultation questioning the future role of the CITB.
Responses are required by 21 March and respondents are asked for views on the effectiveness of the organisation as well as the Engineering Construction Industrial Training Board (ECITB) and what their role should be after the apprenticeship levy starts in two months’ time.
The call for evidence is part of the review of levy-funded training bodies being carried out by Paul Morrell, the former chief construction adviser.
The CITB also faces a crunch vote later this year on industry consensus over its levy-raising powers amid growing negative sentiment. Larger firms will also have to pay the new apprenticeship levy and there is much criticism that CITB doesn’t do enough to help SMEs.
The vote will take place in August and September, with a government decision expected by February 2018. The CITB needs to win more than 50% of the construction vote in terms of numbers of levy payers and value of the levy paid.
Last week the CITB announced the biggest consultation the organisation has ever undertaken, with all in-scope employers being asked to give their views on the levy proposal for 2018.
According to the CITB, the levy is designed to be fair to all employers, and generate enough funding for developing the skills that the industry says it needs. The 2018 proposal would see the levy reduce from 0.5% to 0.35%, with net CIS payments for subcontracted workers remaining at 1.25%.
Employers from across the sector, large and small, federated and non-federated, from across England, Scotland and Wales are being asked to take part.
The consultation has been launched to get industry’s views on the levy proposal, but CITB is also using this opportunity to share with employers its plans for 2018 – including improvements to the grants scheme.
New CITB head Sarah spoke to CM recently about their upcoming plans and hopes for the future of the organisation.
