Industry votes to keep CITB Levy

The Construction Industry Training Board (‘CITB’) has been shown support by employers of all sizes in the construction industry for it to continue with its levy-raising powers.

Final results from the survey of 14 trade bodies and 4,000 non-represented firms revealed that construction employers voted by over 2 to 1 to retain the CITB Levy. 77% of employers support the Levy, representing 70% of levy paid.

The CITB’s proposed levy rates will take effect at;

• 0.35% of all PAYE payments, and
• 1.25% of net CIS subcontractor payments

Although the vote to remain was a clear winner, contractors are calling for a refreshed approach to governance, more certainty about the future of grant funded training and a simpler approach to funding applications.

Sarah Beale, CEO at the CITB, noted the industry’s comments and states they are committed to modernising the organisation.

The results will now be submitted to the Department for Education for verification and approval before the Secretary of State asks Parliament to approve the new levy order.

Aspire Comment

We will keep you updated with the progress of the CITB levy’s plans for a significant reform and what this may entail.

If you work in the construction industry and receive communication from the CITB Levy on the back of this vote to remain, then please don’t hesitate to contact Aspire should you require assistance completing a Levy Return or, more importantly, assessing whether you should be completing a Levy Return in the first place, dependent on whether you meet the definition of an establishment wholly or mainly engaged in the construction industry.