Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, when he plans to consult on the timetable for implementing the provisions of the Commercial Payments Bill relating to retention payments in construction contracts; and whether he plans to publish a timetable setting out the key milestones for bringing the proposed ban fully into force as part of that consultation.

The Commercial Payments Bill introduces a ban on the deduction of retention sums in construction contracts, with a two-year transitional period to allow businesses time to prepare and to support the development of alternative surety products. This measure will only come into force through Commencement Regulations following Royal Assent of the Bill.

The Government will work with the Construction Leadership Council, its clients and other stakeholders on the timetable for implementation, as well as improving quality and reducing the incidence of defects in construction and strengthening the market for alternative forms of surety.