Over the next twelve months, LABC aims to place building regulations firmly on the agenda for the general public and government. LABC represents local authority building control departments in England and Wales, with over 3,000 professional surveyors and support technicians.
Speaking at a special reception, Mike Sansom, LABC’s out going president promised it would provide structured feedback and support to DCLG and other government departments in order to streamline the adaption of higher standards within the building industry.
He identified four key goals. “Firstly, research how to better explain and increase awareness of the building regulations. Secondly, measure unreported building work and establish if this is growing and the reasons why? Thirdly, establish how local authorities define ‘in the public interests’, their criteria for prosecuting and, provide recommendations on how to handle these effectively.”
And finally, Sansom explained, LABC would pilot new ways of working with clients to integrate risk-based practices and management of the ‘performance gap’ i.e. the difference between designed performance against actual performance.
One of Sansom’s final duties for the year was to welcome LABC’s incoming president, Peter Baker, building control manager at Erewash Borough Council. 
Also he presented the special Andrew Little Trainee of the Year Award to Paul Smith of East Herts District Council. This was in recognition of his academic achievement and his creation of an application for creating travel distances based on BS 9999 models.
It’s an admirable tradition at LABC that the president always chooses a charity to receive a donation from monies very gratefully raised throughout the year by members, colleagues and others. This year’s charity was the Alzheimer’s Society, which received a cheque for £26,825.
Photo shows: Mike Sansom, left, with Peter Baker
More information: www.labc.uk.com/