On Tuesday 18 December the Government announced its commitment to a ‘tougher regulatory system for building safety’. The programme of change has been named ‘Building a Safer Future’ and follows Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of building regulations and fire safety.
The Government has committed to:
- Take forward all of the recommendations in the Hackitt review
- Create a more effective regulatory and accountability framework to provide greater oversight of the industry
- Introduce clearer standards and guidance, including establishing a new Standards Committee to advise on construction product and system standards and regulations
- Put residents at the heart of the new system of building safety, empowering them with more effective routes for engagement and redress
- Help to create a culture change and a more responsible building industry, from design, through to construction and management
The Government will set up a Joint Regulators’ Group to trial elements of a new regulatory system ahead of new proposed legislation.
This is a very important announcement for the construction industry and is likely to affect the way the construction industry operates and assesses risk for many years to come. Of particular importance is the Government’s focus on cultural change within the industry, which is something we have been championing as a firm through the Get It Right Initiative and our Corporate Responsibility campaign.
The Government will be launching a consultation in the next few months on a more effective regulatory framework and the role of Approved inspectors in the framework.
Please contact us to find out how the proposed changes will affect you.