Public Affairs
In the policy arena the BCO's mission is to lead the debate on office issues and to take an active role 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:
- Commercial Lease Code Working Group.
- Directive Implementation Advisory Group
- Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC)
- Inclusive Design Group supported by the Department for Transport and CABE;
- London Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Advisory Board
- Ministerial Property Consultation Group
- National
Ratepayer Forum Recognised by Government as thought leaders representing all of the varied interests in the office sector, it is usually the case that a BCO view is sought as part of the policy process.
During 2006 BCO responded to consultation papers on a range of issues, including commercial lease codes, value added tax and planning gains supplement.
The Property Industry Alliance - May 2006 The BCO is a founding member of the Property Industry Alliance which aims to bring together the views of the property industry.
The new Property Industry Alliance was formed to present a co-ordinated response from the BCO, Investment Property Forum, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and British Property Federation to any policy developments affecting the commercial property sector.
The BCO has a particular interest in the following policy areas:
- Business improvement districts
- Business rates
- Building regulations
- Code for commercial leases
- Energy efficiency
- 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