MS, Cabinet Secretary for
Economy, Energy and Planning: I am pleased to publish
the Welsh Government's Built Environment
Mission Statement, which sets out our strategic
vision for a resilient, innovative and socially responsible
construction sector in Wales.
Construction is a foundational sector that underpins the delivery
of essential infrastructure, housing, public services and
economic development. It is central to our ambition for a
greener, fairer and more prosperous Wales, and it plays a vital
role in supporting local supply chains, creating jobs, and
delivering social value.
As part of our commitment to modernising the sector, I am also
publishing the Digital Action Plan for
Construction, developed in partnership with
Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) and the sector. This plan
outlines key priorities to help drive productivity, improve
project delivery, and support the development of future-ready
skills across the sector.
We continue to champion the use of Project Bank
Accounts (PBAs) to ensure fair and prompt payment across
public sector construction supply chains. The Welsh Government's
Commercial and Procurement team is working with stakeholders to
increase adoption of updated guidance. This policy supports SMEs
by improving cash flow, reducing risk, and promoting ethical
employment practices in line with our procurement principles.
To support industry planning and investment, CEW is working with
stakeholders to improve access to a forward pipeline of
contracts, which I know from sector feedback is a priority. This
pipeline will provide visibility of upcoming public sector
construction opportunities, enabling businesses to prepare and
engage early. It reflects our commitment to transparency and
collaboration with industry partners.
The Social Partnership and Public Procurement
(Wales) Act 2023introduces a statutory duty for
contracting authorities to carry out procurement in a socially
responsible way. This includes improving economic, social,
environmental and cultural well-being through construction
contracts. Public bodies must now seek consensus or compromise
with recognised trade unions or staff representatives when
setting well-being objectives and making strategic decisions.
This duty strengthens the role of workers in shaping public
service delivery and ensures construction procurement contributes
meaningfully to fair work and sustainability.
This Mission Statement reaffirms our commitment to a built
environment sector that delivers value for Wales – economically,
socially and environmentally. My officials will work with CEW to
engage partners across the public and private sectors to
implement these priorities and build a stronger future for Wales.
