HAE flags up CITB grant rate changes
25 July 2022
A recent news release from the HAE made me recall a memorable hire industry test case from more than 20 years ago – but more on that below.
First of all, following the CITB’s (Construction Industry Training Board) recent announcement of changes to its plant standards and associated grant rates from January 2023, HAE says that organisations like itself that offer training can guide applicants through the process.
The changes follow consultation with employers and stakeholders including construction businesses and plant and tool hire employers.
The first changes will affect eight of the most commonly awarded training grants, covering: excavator 360, above 10 tonnes (tracked); forward tipping dumper (wheeled); rear tipping dumper/dump truck - articulated chassis (all sizes); ride-on roller; telescopic handler - all sizes excluding 360 slew; industrial forklift; plant and vehicle marshaller; slinger, signaller - all types, all duties.
The grant claims process is designed to be straightforward. The applicant gives their CITB registration number to an approved training organisation (ATO) such as HAE, which then handles the procedure on their behalf.
Grant rates are set to be increased and made less complex. A single grant for an increased amount will replace several smaller grants for testing and short course training.
To be grant eligible the training must be be delivered by a CITB ATO, be quality assured by the provider, and lead to the award of a training card displaying the CSCS logo.
All eligible employers who are registered with CITB and up-to-date with their levy returns can apply for grant, including small employers who are not required to pay the levy, which helps fund industry training.
The levy applies to all employers ‘engaged wholly or mainly in construction industry activities’, meaning when construction activities take up more than half of employees’ total time, including subcontractors.
● Over the years, a number of hire companies have challenged whether they are eligible to pay the CITB levy. Indeed, back in 2001 HAE brought a fascinating test case on behalf of Gibbon Equipment Hire of Blackwood, Gwent, which argued that most of the company's revenue came from clients who were not construction plant users but rather tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts hiring tools and equipment. However, the case ultimately proved unsuccessful, with the judgement essentially ruling that, while the equipment might not actually be used in construction, it could be. So employees involved in construction activities were deemed to take up more than half Gibbons’ payroll and the company was within scope for the levy.
