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Developments to Watch

Property values, the construction industry, the cost of borrowing and the availability of finance are uncertain at present. This makes strategic planning particularly difficult, and adds to the difficulty of assessing the future position of an institution (in terms most obviously of the value of its assets). A related issue relates to the procurement of utilities - the cost of fuel is volatile, and this means that assessing a good deal is problematic.
The sustainability agenda will continue to gain momentum. Plans laid against the current criteria are clearly necessary, but may not be sufficient in future. Achieving some targets requires not inconsiderable investment, which compounds the problem of drawing up responsible plans which are affordable and comply with targets that may yet to be set or that may be altered.