Government Introduces Tougher Regulatory System for Building Safety

THE GOVERNMENT has today (18 December) committted to creating a stronger and more effective regulatory system to improve building safety.

The government says it will introduce tougher sanctions for those who disregard residents’ safety, more rigorous standards and guidance for those undertaking building work, and a stronger voice for residents.

New Regulatory Framework

The plans involve implementing the recommendations made by Dame Judith Hackitt in her review of building regulations and fire safety published following the Grenfell Tower fire.

Building a Safer Future, commits the government to a reform programme to adopting all the recommendations in the Hackitt review, creating a more effective regulatory and accountability framework to provide greater oversight of the industry.

This will mean making clearer standards and guidance, including establishing a new Standards Committee to advise on construction product and system standards and regulations.

The government has also said it wants to put residents at the heart of the new system of building safety, “empowering them with more effective routes for engagement and redress”, as well as helping “to create a culture change and a more responsible building industry, from design, through to construction and management”.

System Trials

The government plans to establish a Joint Regulators’ Group to trial elements of a new regulatory system before making it law. The group will bring existing regulatory bodies together to work with developers and building owners, as well as seeking input from residents and tenants, to test new approaches that may later feature in legislation.

A review of fire safety guidance in building regulations has already been launched, calling for evidence from experts on fire safety. The review also invites views from residents and those who manage buildings on how to improve fire and structural safety.

Secretary of State for Communities, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP said:”My plan for stronger, tougher rules will make sure there is no hiding place for those who flout building safety rules”.

Culture Change Must be Instituted

Welcoming the news, BBA Chief Executive Claire Curtis-Thomas, said: “The industry has continuously argued for tougher standards and by introducing clearer guidance, including establishing a new Standards Committee to advise on construction product and system standards and regulations, we can continue to work with the government to enable rigorous oversights are put in place for those undertaking building work, which will in turn provide a stronger voice for residents.

“The BBA believes that a culture change must be instituted, helping to create a more responsible building industry, from design through to construction and management,” added Ms Curtis-Thomas.

Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, commissioned by the government following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, put forward more than 50 recommendations.

The BBA, working with Local Authority Building Control (LABC), gained widespread industry support for their 100% Hackitt initiative, which called for full implementation of Dame Judith’s recommendations.

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