The Government has now published its plan for implementing changes to the regulatory framework around building safety, in response to the recommendations set out in Dame Judith Hackitt’s ‘Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: final report’, published in May 2018. The report looked at the regulatory framework around the construction, maintenance and ongoing use of buildings, with a particular focus on multi-occupied, high-rise residential buildings.
The implementation plan, amongst other things, summarises the work that has already been undertaken to make existing buildings safe and ensure that residents are safe, and feel safe. In summary, the plan aims to:
- Prevent people from flouting the system through tougher oversight and a stronger and more effective sanctions and enforcement regime.
- Facilitate better understanding of what is required to ensure buildings are safe through clearer standards and guidance, as well as improving the rigour of the product labelling, testing and marketing process to ensure that people working on buildings use safe products.
- Ensure residents are at the heart of the new regulatory framework through better engagement between them and those managing their buildings, as well as providing more effective routes for escalation and redress when things go wrong.
- Ensure building owners reassure residents by providing them with better information about the protective measures in place in their buildings.
- Work with industry to drive culture change to increase responsibility for building safety, including by improving the competence of those undertaking building work.
The plan sets out some of the changes Government intends to consult on in spring 2019.
Alongside the implementation plan, Government has also published a Call for Evidence which invites views on how residents of multi-occupied buildings can best be supported to help keep their homes and buildings safe. The closing date for responses is 12 February.
Anyone with an interest in this issue is welcome to submit their views. Responses are particularly welcomed from residents of multi-occupancy buildings, owners, landlords and managers of such buildings. If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised by this Call for Evidence or request a meeting, please contact: the Residents’ Voice team at RVRI@communities.gov.uk.
Further information
