Council has 87 per cent of building control roles vacant
Summary
Cumberland Council is relying on agency staff to keep its building control service operating, with 13 of 15 roles vacant and the function described as under significant resource pressure. The article also highlights wider staffing shortages across local authority building control, with some councils reporting backlogs and paused inspections.
Why it matters
Building control capacity affects the speed and reliability of approvals, inspections and enforcement, which can directly influence project timelines and property transactions. Surveyors should be aware of potential delays and service variability when dealing with local authority building control departments.
Key points
- Cumberland Council has 13 of 15 building control posts vacant.
- Agency staff are being used to meet legal obligations, but service delivery is slower.
- The council is seeking to expand apprenticeships and improve staffing capacity.
- Other councils have reported backlogs and paused inspections due to shortages.
- Industry concern remains over recruitment, pay pressures and future inspector renewals.
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