In recognition of the ongoing issues surrounding the late release and unjust withholding of payment caused by retention clauses, the RIAS supports the need for change to improve payment fairness.

However, the organisation cautions against a blanket prohibition of these clauses and warns that such a move could introduce new, unintended consequences for architects and SME contractors.

Instead, RIAS advocates for retention protection as a realistic alternative. Mechanisms such as segregated accounts and certified completion-based release, alongside stronger digital reporting would help to ensure both performance assurance and payment security.

Comprehensive, sector-specific guidance and training should play an essential role here too, both in terms of raising awareness among SMEs of their rights and obligations, and supporting architects with contract administration, and their expanded responsibilities when it comes to these measures. The RIAS also calls for reforms to include professional services contracts, which are often overlooked in payment policy debates.

The response highlights the need for a minimum 24-month transition period for any major contractual changes, to allow for industry-wide adaptation. Alongside this, the RIAS stresses the importance of aligning payment reform with broader industry and policy goals around sustainability, innovation, and SME resilience.

Karen Anderson, president of the RIAS, said: “Architects want to see fairer payment practices across the industry, but reforms must be proportionate and practical. If we rush into prohibiting retentions without viable alternatives, we risk creating new problems for the very professionals and clients that we’re trying to protect.”