Build UK Update

VAT Reminder
The VAT payment deferral period ended on 30 June 2020 and any VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June should be paid in full on or before 31 March 2021.

For VAT payments due from 1 July, companies should make sure they are ready by:

• Setting up cancelled direct debits in enough time for HMRC to take payment
• Ensuring VAT returns are submitted as normal and on time
• Paying the VAT in full on payments due after 30 June.

Sites are Open and Output is Up
Build UK Contractor members have reported that almost 100% of their sites are now open across England, Scotland and Wales. Whilst output has not quite returned to pre‐COVID levels, housing sites are operating at 99% output, with infrastructure sites at 95%, and construction sites at 89%, which is no doubt due to more restrictions as a result of social distancing. Programmes and costs have been impacted and it is likely that the majority of live projects will see revised completion dates.

Offices are increasingly opening up, with Contractor members expecting 50% of their staff to be back in their offices in some capacity by the end of September, rising to around 70% by the end of the year. The majority of members expect to see more flexible working arrangements in place across a wider range of roles going forward.

The Construction Playbook
The Government is working with the construction industry to find more effective ways of delivering ‘faster, better, greener’ infrastructure that provides value for money whilst supporting a more stable supply chain. The outcome will be a ‘Construction Playbook’, due to be published in December 2020, which will be similar to the existing Outsourcing Playbook and provide a consistent approach to the procurement of publicly‐funded projects by bringing together best practice from across the sector.

Hands, Face, Space
In a bid to keep infections down as winter approaches, the Government is launching the ‘Hands, Face, Space’ campaign. The simple message aims to promote hygiene and social distancing, and sites should continue to implement the Site Operating Procedures and maintain safe working practices.