Lane rental schemes in Leeds, Wakefield and Kirklees will charge utility and telecoms companies up to £2,500 per day for works on designated key routes from later this year, targeting peak‑time occupation of high‑traffic corridors and bus priority links. The three councils have secured Department for Transport approval and adopted a single charging framework and common rules, including simultaneous launch, to simplify permits where works cross authority boundaries. By pushing works into off‑peak windows and encouraging joint trenching, the policy aims to cut congestion‑related emissions and improve bus journey time reliability.

Tasmania will modernise and digitise Mineral Resources Tasmania’s exploration and mining approvals system, aiming to unlock more than $1.5 billion in projects currently queued in the state. Premier Jeremy Rockliff wants end‑to‑end online lodgement, tracking and assessment of mining leases and exploration licences, replacing paper‑based workflows that can delay approvals for months. Faster, more transparent permitting is expected to materially affect project timelines for operations such as MMG’s Rosebery mine and new critical minerals prospects.

Build UK has published its first benchmarks on cash retentions, showing tier one contractor members withhold an average 2% and pass on 74% of retentions imposed by their clients to their own supply chains, absorbing 26% themselves. Since 2018, average payment times for these contractors have fallen from 45 to 29 days, with invoices paid within 60 days rising from 82% to 96% under the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations. The data will act as a baseline as the Commercial Payments Bill, which includes a ban on retention clauses, moves through Parliament.