Rising energy prices, inflation, and higher material costs are putting pressure on work such as fixing potholes and maintaining street lighting, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).

The war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia and Belarus will hit the supply of wood products used in construction, including OSB (oriented strand board) and plywood.

While general inflation is expected to recede, the industry’s measure is likely to remain higher, writes Kris Hudson.

A seasonal drop in demand for construction products has helped to take pressure off supply chains and prices, according to the latest Construction Leadership Council (CLC) statement on product availability.

A boost in spending from clients in response to the opening of the UK economy, combined with signs that the worst of the supplier delays have passed, resulted in buyers reporting the sharpest increase in business activity in four months.

Timber battens have replaced concrete roof tiles as the hardest-to-obtain construction product, although the overall picture for products and materials is more positive than it has been in recent months.

James Sargent explains the contractual options available to mitigate the impact of products shortages and rising costs.

Materials supply and price volatility are predicted to be key risks to completion of construction projects within time and budget. Although there is no single answer to the problem, there are ways we can mitigate some of the key risks, to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Three out of four contractors are experiencing problems with the supply of materials and products.

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Clients and contractors should plan ahead to ensure material price escalation doesn’t jeopardise the recovery, writes Kris Hudson Escalation in material prices is now one of the biggest threats to…