MHCLG Consultation on Building Safety

As part of the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a consultation on the reform of the building safety regulatory framework. Building a Safer Future: Proposals for reform of the building safety regulatory system contains sections on the scope of buildings to which it is proposed the new requirements will apply (all multi-occupied residential buildings of 18 metres or more in height), a new dutyholder regime, resident engagement strategy, a more effective regulatory and accountability system and enforcement.

Chapter 5 contains proposals for a more effective regulatory and accountability framework for those buildings in scope. This Chapter, and particularly the associated reports in Annex E, includes proposals for the greater use of accredited certification to support both the demonstration of competence of those working on such buildings and the compliance with standards of the building materials used.

UKAS has been closely involved with MHCLG in the preparation of these proposals and also in the various industry working groups (including the Competence Steering Group) set up to provide advice to Government on the direction of this work.

Interested parties are invited to consider whether to respond to the consultation in support of the proposals for greater use of accredited certification. Responses are required by 31 July. Accredited organisations wishing to be involved in the development of any new certification schemes that emerge from this work should register their interest with Emily Robinson at [email protected].

A further consultation on the work of the Competence Steering Group is expected soon.