Tax, training and building safety: The March 2026 update from the JTC

The latest issue of the Construction Industry Joint Taxation Committee newsletter is out now, with a number of updates worth being aware of as the new tax year approaches.

The Chancellor kept her promise to avoid significant announcements in the Spring Forecast, making it a relatively quiet month on the tax front. However, there is plenty in the pipeline that scaffolding and access businesses should be keeping an eye on, including the upcoming rollout of Making Tax Digital for individuals, new online requirements for corporation tax, and mandatory registration for tax advisers.

On payrolling benefits in kind, businesses that have not previously done so and are considering it for 2026/27 have until 5 April 2026 to register with HMRC. It is worth noting that payrolling will become mandatory from 6 April 2027, so now is a good time to prepare if you have not already.

A potentially significant development for the industry is the government's consultation on merging the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board and the Construction Industry Training Board into a single Industry Training Board covering both sectors. The consultation is open now and represents an opportunity for the industry to have its say on a change that could affect training provision and funding across construction.

For those with company vehicles, updated advisory fuel rates are now in effect and can be found on the HMRC website.

On building safety, Thouria Istephan has been appointed interim Chief Construction Adviser, reinstating a role recommended by the Grenfell Inquiry. Her priorities for the first year include reform of regulation for construction products, standards for construction buildings and professionals, and improving how evidence is gathered and learning from near misses.

NASC members can view the full update by logging in to our website portal and clicking on the below link:

JTC March 2026.pdf