The growing problems with ductwork and pipework in new buildings across the UK, and particularly in Northern Ireland, stem from a combination of systemic, technical, and regulatory factors. While the issues are multifaceted, a common pattern is emerging, characterized by underfunding, poor design, inadequate installation practices, and insufficient maintenance planning. Below is a detailed analysis […]
The Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model is a financing approach designed to attract private investment into large infrastructure projects by sharing construction and operational risks between developers and consumers. Under this model, a company is granted the right to charge consumers for the construction and operation of new infrastructure through their utility bills, providing a […]
Following the Ards and North Down Borough Council’s recent decision to maintain a hybrid operating model for leisure services (rejecting full outsourcing or privatization), balancing the books will require a mix of revenue enhancement, cost efficiencies, and strategic planning. This approach aligns with the council’s 2025/26 budget, which already incorporates £1.7 million in efficiencies and […]