HSE cost recovery proposals raise concerns over potential for abuse

Contractors have raised concerns that the watchdog may be tempted to use the new system to make up for deep funding cuts imposed by the government.

A three-month consultation over the proposed changes closed last week, with the UK Contractors Group and Civil Engineering Contractors Group among those raising concerns.

UKCG chief executive Stephen Ratcliffe said members were not opposed to the changes in principle, but described the proposals in the consultation as “flawed”.

He warned the charging regime would “change inspectors’ behaviour” and said that there “appears to be a lack of rigour in the processes for deciding whether a charge is due and in appealing charges”.

Mr Ratcliffe said further scrutiny was required to justify such a high cost and suggested the proposed collection system “appears to be overly bureaucratic”.

He also raised concerns around the definition of a “material breach” being “entirely dependent” on inspectors’ views.

A spokesman for CECA said improving safety was always a priority, but questioned whether the proposals would achieve this.

“Cost recovery has the potential to raise significant revenue for the HSE, at a time when it is facing a tough budget settlement,” he said.

“We are concerned that, without adequate safeguards, these measures may drive the wrong sort of behaviours at the HSE, incentivising revenue-raising over improving safety performance.

“We hope to work with industry representatives to ensure whatever is put in place truly delivers better safety outcomes for all.”

The Federation of Master Builders policy manager Peter O’Connell said he was “broadly comfortable” with the proposals.