Hudson slams CITB over consensus process

Clients are contacting Hudson Contract after the CITB announced the launch of consensus for the 2026 to 2029 levy. CITB is kicking off with webinars to present its levy proposals and the consultation will run from 26 September to 24 October. 

The training board needs to secure industry support for another extension of its levy-raising powers beyond next year. The webinars will provide details of the new levy rates and introduce a shortening of the time between levy assessments being raised and payments being due. 

Commenting on the announcement, as covered by Construction Enquirer, managing director Ian Anfield said: “It’s ironic that the CITB plans to kick off its 2026 consensus online, yet when it comes to the actual vote it will rely on the age-old method of block voting by trade federations and phone calls to a small number of hand-picked levy payers.

“The consensus process, which hasn’t changed for decades, is a complete farce and clearly designed to produce a 'yes' vote. Worse, it allows a small number of large organisations to influence CITB policy, particularly regarding grants and funding. As a result, the CITB is stuck in a constant cycle of failure in its attempts to address the industry's skills needs.

“If the CITB is confident it has a place in the industry and enjoys industry support, it should simply give everyone a vote, which could be done online by an independent survey company.

"Regarding the detail, we welcome the CITB's U-turn on its plans to introduce an additional levy on the use of labour providers, which it announced last autumn for introduction in 2026. The CITB's own research showed this levy would have disproportionately affected smaller and medium-sized contractors which are the lifeblood of the construction industry.”

Mr Anfield said the levy proposals missed opportunities to iron out existing unfairness in the levy and highlighted the following ongoing issues:  

• It can result in the levying of plant and materials if paid net of CIS
• It can lead to double levying in supply chains
• It imposes levies on the use of electricians, plumbers and other trades that sit outside the CITB, so these trades are denied CITB grants and funding.

Mr Anfield reminded companies that whatever the CITB says, it will be using the webinars to gather evidence for industry support for the levy. He said: “Unless you absolutely understand the question that is being asked, have a firm view and have the authority to agree to pay extra levy or levy sooner, we advise you to abstain from joining the online questionnaire.”

A survey commissioned by Hudson and conducted by leading pollster Survation this summer confirmed that three-quarters of levy-paying construction firms want to scrap both the levy and the CITB. 

Mr Anfield said: “After 60 years of mismanagement and failure, the CITB brand has become toxic.”

For help and advice on the CITB consensus process, get in touch with Hudson.