Architects chief also wants VAT and PAYE deferrals
The government must lead by example and commit to both faster payment terms and direct payments to subcontractors, RIBA has told the chancellor.
In a letter to Rishi Sunak this week, Alan Vallance, chief executive of the architects鈥� institute, said the government was a major construction client.
He demanded action from ministers in three main areas: cash flow, planning and keeping sites open.
The ability of the sector to keep working was vitally important, he said, and since two-thirds of materials were imported, customs clearance processes must be maintained.
鈥淭he understandable prioritisation of essential medical and food supplies [must] not lead to delays elsewhere,鈥� he said.
Cash flow was architects鈥� most pressing and immediate source of concern, he added, with the Treasury needing to consider a range of measures that allow businesses to prioritise their day-to-day financial transactions.
鈥淪ome of this is relatively straightforward: the immediate deferral of PAYE, VAT and business rate payments, clear guidance on how to access loans and the timescales for how long they can expect to wait for decisions and funds,鈥� said Vallance.
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