The Government’s consultation marks the most ambitious attempt in decades to reform payment in construction. These developments herald substantial change in contract drafting, advisory practice, and dispute resolution. The reforms may carry costs and risks, but they represent a determined attempt to resolve problems that have dogged construction for generations.

There is a growing issue of adjudicator fees in construction disputes, highlighting concerns around proportionality and fairness. Court of Appeal decisions — Systech v PC Harrington and Steve Ward Services v Davies — take contrasting approaches to whether adjudicators are entitled to fees in different circumstances. Julian Critchlow offers practical insights for legal professionals, contractors, and referring parties navigating adjudication processes.

The Arbitration Act 1996 has served the UK well: it put party autonomy at the centre, limited court intervention, and gave London and other UK seats an enviable international reputation. Almost three decades on, however, practice has evolved. Digital evidence, third‑party funding, emergency relief, and transparency expectations have all out paced the 1996 framework. Enter the Arbitration Act 2025 (“the 2025  Act”).