The committee appointed by government to lead an Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety following the Grenfell fire last summer has found that a “universal shift in culture” is required to rebuild trust amongst residents of high-rise buildings and significantly improve the way that fire safety is assured.
Dame Judith Hackitt’s interim report out today calls on the construction industry, building owners, regulators and government to come together to address the ‘shortcomings’ identified so far.
The interim report finds that a culture change is required – with industry taking greater responsibility for what is built.
This change needs to start now the current system for ensuring fire safety in high-rise buildings is not fit for purpose a clear, quick and effective route for residents to raise concerns and be listened to, must be created.
Dame Judith said:
I have found that the regulatory system for safely designing, constructing and managing buildings is not fit for purpose. The current system is highly complex and there is confusion about the roles and responsibilities at each stage. In many areas there is a lack of competence and accreditation.
While this does not mean all buildings are unsafe, it does mean we need to build a more effective system for the future. That is why I am today calling for the construction industry, building owners, regulators and government to come together to identify how to overcome these shortcomings together.
The report also called for creating a clear, quick and effective route for residents’ voices to be heard and listened to and for improving testing, marketing and quality assurance of products used in construction.
She continued:
“I have been deeply affected by the residents of high rise buildings I have met and I have learned so much from them. These buildings are their homes and their communities. They are proud of where they live, but their trust in the system has been badly shaken by events of the last few months. We need to rebuild that trust.”
Speaking on the publication of the report, Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, Chair of the Greater Manchester High Rise Taskforce, said:
“We welcome the initial findings of the review and the recognition that the building regulation system is highly complex and not fit for purpose. In Greater Manchester, we have called for an overhaul of the system to ensure fire safety is at the heart of buildings for their entire lifecycle so we’re pleased Dame Judith Hackitt shares our view.
“Locally, the fire service has inspected all residential high rises in Greater Manchester and continues to work with local authorities, housing providers and building owners to make sure the right fire safety advice is in place and people feel safe in their homes. Ultimately we are working towards a Greater Manchester standard of fire safety that puts the expertise of our fire service at the centre.
“But it’s clear that changes need to be taken nationally to ensure a tragedy like Grenfell can never happen again. The interim findings of this review are a positive first step on what is a complex but critical journey and we look forward to continuing to work with Dame Judith Hackitt and her team to progress this work.”
John Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Housing Secretary, responding to the interim report into said:
“This interim report is welcome but Ministers have already been told that building safety rules need to be rewritten.
“It is now four and a half years since two Coroners’ reports into previous high rise fires recommended an overhaul of building regulations. Ministers ignored the recommendations then and their promise to issue new regulations was never honoured.
“Rather than waiting for the final report of this inquiry, Ministers should start acting on existing recommendations immediately and incorporate recommendations from Dame Judith Hackitt when her inquiry is completed.
“Ministers have been off the pace at every stage in response to the Grenfell Tower fire. They must now quickly give people confidence that our system of fire regulation has the clarity, accountability and proper standards needed so that no-one feels unsafe in their home.”
The independent review will now undertake its second phase of work – including targeted work in partnership with the sector and other stakeholders.
A summit involving government and representatives from the building industry will take place in the New Year and a final report will be published in spring 2018
