BFC Executive Meeting (8 January 2024 and 7 February 2024)
In the BFC Executive meeting held on 8 January, members deliberated on the Policy Group initiative and agreed to establish a Public Affairs Advisory Committee. This Committee will facilitate discussions on policy ideas with key figures from the furniture industry, contributing to the development of robust policy positions. Among the topics addressed were the Spring Budget on 6 March 2024, the Consultation on Fire Safety of Domestic Upholstered Furniture, and concerns relating to the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries (ETIIs) scheme. Additionally, the Executive discussed the implementation of new regulations governing All-Party Parliamentary Groups.
The BFC Executive met again on 7 February 2024, with a focus on discussing the policy positioning papers drafted by the members. The BFC Executive has been developing several policy positioning papers on key policies of relevance to the furniture industry that can be used to brief political stakeholders over the coming months. At the meeting, the BFC worked on refining these papers into concise policy positions.
The next meeting will take place on 7 May 2024.
APPFIG Meeting (7 February 2024)
The All Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFIG) held its Annual General Meeting on 7 February 2024, where it confirmed the 4 officers that are now required by each All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) following a change in parliamentary rules and confirmed the Group’s purpose. Mark Eastwood MP was successfully re-elected Chair of the Group. The other officers elected were: Maggie Throup MP, Sara Britcliffe MP and Baroness Taylor of Bolton.
The Group discussed the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture consultation and the letter the Group had submitted to DBT Minister, Kevin Hollinrake MP, relating to the consultation. In addition, the Group talked of the ongoing Energy Intensive Industry Scheme Issue which Jonathan Hindle agreed to raise with Minister Hollinrake at an upcoming event in Mark Eastwood MP’s constituency.
At the meeting, Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) also raised two concerns: firstly, the removal of RPS248 impacts the furniture industry, with significant carpet waste potentially ending up in landfills due to the withdrawal of the framework. Secondly, the furniture sector is seeking clarity on DEFRA’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plans, urging a fair scheme that includes all flooring types, not just carpets. The Chair agreed to raise these concerns with the DEFRA minister.
The next meeting will take place on 7 May 2024.
Public Affairs Advisory Committee (7 March 2024)
The BFC’s newly formed Public Affairs Advisory Committee (PAAC) convened for its inaugural meeting on Thursday 7 March. The Committee discussed the tools that can be used to engage with government, and covered background briefings and scope for the Committee. The PAAC also debated industry issues, including skills shortages, trade and exports and sustainability.
The next meeting will take place on 2 May 2024.
Jonathan Hindle attends event with Mark Eastwood MP and DBT Minister Kevin Hollinrake MP
Jonathan attended a lunch organised by Mark Eastwood MP in Denby Dale, Yorkshire, a part of Mark’s changing constituency. The principle guest speaker at the lunch was nearby MP and Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake MP. Jonathan was able to ask questions on the current issues impacting the furniture industry including: SIC codes and their use as qualification for energy subsidies; the ongoing lack of clarity on the Fire Regulations; and, the alleged profiteering by sea freight providers.
Ongoing engagement with Government Departments
The BFC has continued to liaise with Civil Servants in the Department of Business and Trade (formerly BEIS) to ensure that industry concerns and issues are brought to the immediate attention of ministers. These have included labour shortages, business rates relief, the future of skills and training, the cost of energy, increases in freight charges following recent events in the Red Sea, and supply chain challenges.
Flammability Regulations
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989, 1993 and 2010) are UK law and designed to ensure that upholstery components and composites used for furniture supplied in the UK meet specified ignition resistance levels. On 2 August 2023, the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the Department for Business and Trade published a consultation document entitled “Smarter Regulation: Fire Safety of Domestic Upholstered Furniture.”
The consultation proposes changes in various aspects of fire safety regulations for domestic upholstered furniture, including scope, essential safety requirements, conformity assessment, labelling, technical documentation, implementation timeline, and measures to reduce chemical flame retardants. The consultation closed on 24 October 2023.
The BFC Executive submitted a response on behalf of the furniture industry to the consultation. The APPFIG also sent a letter to Minister Hollinrake outlining the position of the furniture industry. Minister Hollinrake has now responded to the letter. The APPFIG invited Kevin Hollinrake MP to meet with the APPFIG and in his recent letter to the APPG, he confirmed he was happy to meet and a date is being sought.
Energy and Trade Intensive Industries (ETIIs) scheme issue
The BFC Executive has discussed the role of SIC Codes in deciding on what parts of UK industry gain support to reduce energy costs. The furniture industry has been left out of the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries (ETIIs) scheme due to their use of ineligible SIC Codes. The BFC Executive raised this at the APPFIG Meeting on 7 February 2024. Jonathan Hindle also raised this with Kevin Hollinrake MP at the event organised by Mark Eastwood MP on 9 February.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
At the APPFIG meeting on 7 February, Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) raised policy challenges impacting carpet recycling. Following the meeting, CRUK worked with Brevia Consulting to draft briefing material for Mark Eastwood MP that he could use to raise the issue with Robbie Moore MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Water and Rural Growth) at DEFRA, who is now responsible for resources and waste.