The CITB has announced industry consultations will run from September 26 to October 24.

But critics of the training body have slammed the process as a “charade”.

CITB said it will be hosting a series of webinars on the subject to gather industry feedback which can also be made via a dedicated online channel.

Ian Anfield, managing director of construction payroll giant Hudson Contract said: “It’s ironic that the CITB plans to kick off its 2026 consensus online, yet when it comes to the actual vote it will rely on the age old method of block voting by trade federations and phone calls to a small number of hand-picked levy payers.

“The consensus process, which hasn’t changed for decades, is a complete farce and clearly designed to produce a ‘yes’ vote.

“Worse, it allows a small number of large organizations to influence CITB policy, particularly regarding grants and funding. As a result, the CITB is stuck in a constant cycle of failure in its attempts to address the industry’s skills needs.

“If the CITB is confident it has a place in the industry and enjoys industry support, it should simply give everyone a vote, which could be done online by an independent survey company.”

A CITB spokesperson said: “We consult at least 33% of Levy paying employers – over 11,000 employers – during the consensus process. In March 2019, nearly 30,000 employers were liable to pay a Levy.

“We expect 7,000 employers will be consulted via their Prescribed Organisations, and a further 4,000 non-federated employers via telephone survey conducted by an independent, registered research company.

“All registered companies, regardless of whether they pay the Levy, can give views on the Levy options in October by visiting our website or registering for a webinar.

“The process has been actively reviewed and revised over the years to ensure it complies with the legislation. We also engage extensively with the Department for Education ahead of and at the end of a consensus cycle, including reviewing the process as required.”

To have your say on the training levy click here.