The Government's aiming to lift the burden of covering the costs of defective building work from councils.

It plans to replace the consent framework with a scheme making each party only responsible for their share of work.

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk claims councils fearing liability for defects are hesitant to sign off on consents and inspections.

He says this follows discussions with the sector.

"Now we'll be able to get that legislated - and in the meantime, spend time getting that detail right about what those measures should be."

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