In the policy arena the BCO's mission is to lead the debate on office issues and to take an active role in any related debates. The BCO aims to influence the development and formulation of policy by representing the views and interests of the members to local, regional and national Government.
BCO policy positions are well supported by our research programme, allowing us to produce robust evidence-based responses to policy developments.
A pro-active dissemination strategy ensures that our latest research publications are communicated to the Government departments and Select Committees of the House of Commons to inform their debates on key issues.
The British Council for Offices represents its members - interests on a number of different government and non-government committees and working parties. BCO is a permanent standing member of the following groups:
- Building Regulations Advisory Committee
- Commercial Lease Code Working Group
- Ministerial Property Consultation Group
- National Ratepayer Forum
The BCO responds to consultation papers on a range of issues, including commercial lease codes, Part L, planning gains supplement and rights to light.
Policy areas of particular interest to BCO members include:
- Business rates
- Building regulations
- Code for commercial leases
- Energy efficiency and energy performance standards
- Health and safety
- Land use and planning
- Ownership and investment concerns related to the office market including real estate investment trusts
- Sustainability
- Sustainable construction
- Upward only rent reviews
- Urban regeneration and regional development policy
- Work/life balance
Property Industry Alliance (PIA)
The PIA is made up of eight leading property organisations, of which the BCO is a founding member, and was established in May 2006. The aim of this group is to bring together the views of the property industry. The BCO is actively involved with two sub-groups of the PIA, the Green Property Alliance and the Research Group
Members of the PIA are: the Association of British Insurers (the Property Committee), the Association of Real Estate Funds, British Council for Offices, British Council for Shopping Centres, British Property Federation, Investment Property Forum, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Urban Land Institute.