Legislative amendments affecting the construction industry form part of a Bill announced in today's Queen's Speech.

The Bill, officially known as the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill, would amend the 1996 Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act, including the payment regime and adjudications process.

The measures are aimed at achieving a more level playing field for smaller, local construction businesses by improving cash flow and making the bidding process ‘fairer'.

The Government is expected to introduce the Bill to the House of Lords later this week, at which time more details will become known.