Building for Public Good: SCAPE's Charter to Elevate the Built Environment

Our charter underscores the imperative for swift intervention while emphasising the necessity of devolving powers and funding to foster regional growth.

We, as the UK's leading public sector procurement authority, explore how the government can elevate the role of construction to create an efficient, sustainable estate and drive productivity, climate resilience, and economic growth.

Amidst the financial, social, environmental, and economic pressures facing the UK’s public sector, our charter outline a series of recommendations for policy and legislative changes across critical areas including devolution of power and financial responsibilities, public-private partnerships, addressing the construction skills gap, strategic asset management, and achieving net zero.

A recurring theme among our recommendations is the recognition that, in many instances, the public sector possesses a clear understanding of the requirements for success—whether in terms of skills, strategy, or resources—yet lacks the capacity for effective implementation. To address this issue, we recommend that key decision-makers promote a more equitable distribution of power and responsibility between central and local governments, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all national approach is inadequate for driving sustainable change.

Furthermore, our charter advocates for the incoming government to confront construction and demolition waste by setting stringent targets and offering increased support for circular economy start-ups to foster innovation. Amidst the backdrop of a challenging economic climate, sustainability often takes a backseat; however, through policy reforms and initiatives prioritising green and digital skills, we can cultivate a more conscientious approach to waste creation and management.

These recommendations within our "Building for Public Good: A Charter for Change" policy are grounded in SCAPE's expertise collaborating with local authorities and are crafted to align with the incoming government's objectives of stimulating economic growth and enriching communities.

Mark continues: "However, without adequate clarification, devolution, and funding from central government, the public sector will not be able to harness this potential. Successive policy and funding announcements over recent years have missed opportunities to leverage construction to alleviate some of the pressures felt by the public and private sector alike. It is critical that the incoming government commits to recognising it as a key driver of economic growth, innovation and community enrichment and delivers the reforms to policy and legislation that would raise standards and drive improvement.

“We hope that all parties take note of the recommendations in our Charter for Change, as they consider how they will reinforce the UK’s position as a leading socioeconomic force ahead of the election.”