Building safety in Wales - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 10:44, 16 December 2025

2025-12-16T10:44:20Z

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	* [https://www.gov.wales/new-legislation-improve-building-safety-wales https://www.gov.wales/new-legislation-improve-building-safety-wales]		* [https://www.gov.wales/new-legislation-improve-building-safety-wales https://www.gov.wales/new-legislation-improve-building-safety-wales]

−	~~[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]~~ [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Building_safety]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Building_safety]]

Editor at 06:00, 11 August 2025

2025-08-11T06:00:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:00, 11 August 2025
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	* Planning (Wales) Act.		* Planning (Wales) Act.
	* Scottish planning policy.		* Scottish planning policy.
		+	* Welsh government response to the Grenfell inquiry.
	* Welsh planning policy.		* Welsh planning policy.

Editor at 21:26, 10 August 2025

2025-08-10T21:26:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:26, 10 August 2025
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	* Legislation.gov.uk, [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2019/8/contents/made The Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard) (Extension of Criteria) Order 2019].		* Legislation.gov.uk, [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2019/8/contents/made The Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard) (Extension of Criteria) Order 2019].
	* Welsh Government, [https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2021-01/consultation.pdf Safer Buildings in Wales: A Consultation].		* Welsh Government, [https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2021-01/consultation.pdf Safer Buildings in Wales: A Consultation].
		+	* [https://www.gov.wales/written-statement-building-safety-1 https://www.gov.wales/written-statement-building-safety-1]
		+	* [https://www.gov.wales/grenfell-tower-inquiry-phase-2-report-welsh-government-response-html https://www.gov.wales/grenfell-tower-inquiry-phase-2-report-welsh-government-response-html]
		+	* [https://www.gov.wales/new-legislation-improve-building-safety-wales https://www.gov.wales/new-legislation-improve-building-safety-wales]

	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Building_safety]]		[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Building_safety]]

Editor at 20:43, 10 August 2025

2025-08-10T20:43:22Z

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	= Further progress in Wales to date =		= Further progress in Wales to date =

−	On 7 July 2025 the Building Safety (Wales) Bill and its Explanatory Memorandum were laid before the Senedd. As one of the Programme for Government commitments, the Bill builds on the 2021 Safer Buildings in Wales White Paper and aims to improve building safety in Wales through the introduction of a new building safety regime covering the occupation and ongoing management of multi-occupied residential buildings.	+	On 7 July 2025 the Building Safety (Wales) Bill and its Explanatory Memorandum were laid before the Senedd. As one of the Programme for Government commitments, the Bill builds on the [https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2021-01/consultation-quick-read-version.pdf 2021 Safer Buildings in Wales White Paper] and aims to improve building safety in Wales through the introduction of a new building safety regime covering the occupation and ongoing management of multi-occupied residential buildings.

	Informed by extensive stakeholder engagement it is a key element of the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Hackitt Review, and the work of the Welsh Government’s Building Safety Expert Group. The three key principles of the Bill are safety, accountability and resident voice. The Bill will require fire and structural risks to be assessed and managed whilst buildings are in occupation, for the benefit of residents and others, with a robust enforcement regime to back that up. It will establish clear lines of responsibility in multi-occupied residential buildings, by creating new roles and responsibilities for those that own and manage these buildings. The Bill will also empower residents and give them a stronger voice in matters that affect their home.		Informed by extensive stakeholder engagement it is a key element of the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Hackitt Review, and the work of the Welsh Government’s Building Safety Expert Group. The three key principles of the Bill are safety, accountability and resident voice. The Bill will require fire and structural risks to be assessed and managed whilst buildings are in occupation, for the benefit of residents and others, with a robust enforcement regime to back that up. It will establish clear lines of responsibility in multi-occupied residential buildings, by creating new roles and responsibilities for those that own and manage these buildings. The Bill will also empower residents and give them a stronger voice in matters that affect their home.
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	By July 2021, the Welsh government had identified buildings with ACM cladding with 12 remediations completed (from a fund of £10.5 million made available in 2020), with others planned and at no additional cost to leaseholders. It had started to bring forward legislation applying to Wales in relation to fire safety via the Home Office’s Fire Safety Act and the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government’s Building Safety Bill laid before the government in the same month.		By July 2021, the Welsh government had identified buildings with ACM cladding with 12 remediations completed (from a fund of £10.5 million made available in 2020), with others planned and at no additional cost to leaseholders. It had started to bring forward legislation applying to Wales in relation to fire safety via the Home Office’s Fire Safety Act and the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government’s Building Safety Bill laid before the government in the same month.
		+
		+	In January 2021 the Welsh government published its proposed reforms of building safety legislation, from design and construction through to occupation with the aim of preventing fire risks and modernising practices. Key measures in the report included defining clear dutyholder roles (e.g., Designers, Contractors, Principal Designers), implementing Gateway checkpoints during development, and requiring a Golden Thread of digital building information.
		+
		+	It introduced the concept of an Accountable Person during occupation, plus optional Building Safety Managers, mandates annual fire risk assessments, safety cases, mandatory incident reporting, and resident engagement strategies. The regime would apply to all multi-occupancy residential buildings, scaled by risk categories. It proposed a robust regulatory model, enforcement tools, a possible Joint Inspection Team, and stricter oversight of fire safety equipment, inviting stakeholder feedback on each proposal.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

Editor at 20:38, 10 August 2025

2025-08-10T20:38:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:38, 10 August 2025
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	On 7 July 2025 the Building Safety (Wales) Bill and its Explanatory Memorandum were laid before the Senedd. As one of the Programme for Government commitments, the Bill builds on the 2021 Safer Buildings in Wales White Paper and aims to improve building safety in Wales through the introduction of a new building safety regime covering the occupation and ongoing management of multi-occupied residential buildings.		On 7 July 2025 the Building Safety (Wales) Bill and its Explanatory Memorandum were laid before the Senedd. As one of the Programme for Government commitments, the Bill builds on the 2021 Safer Buildings in Wales White Paper and aims to improve building safety in Wales through the introduction of a new building safety regime covering the occupation and ongoing management of multi-occupied residential buildings.

−	Informed by extensive stakeholder engagement it is a key element of the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Hackitt Review, and the work of the Welsh Government’s Building Safety Expert Group. The three key principles of the Bill are safety, accountability and resident voice.	+	Informed by extensive stakeholder engagement it is a key element of the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Hackitt Review, and the work of the Welsh Government’s Building Safety Expert Group. The three key principles of the Bill are safety, accountability and resident voice. The Bill will require fire and structural risks to be assessed and managed whilst buildings are in occupation, for the benefit of residents and others, with a robust enforcement regime to back that up. It will establish clear lines of responsibility in multi-occupied residential buildings, by creating new roles and responsibilities for those that own and manage these buildings. The Bill will also empower residents and give them a stronger voice in matters that affect their home.

−	~~The Bill will require fire and structural risks to be assessed and managed whilst buildings are in occupation~~, ~~for~~ the ~~benefit~~ of ~~residents and others~~, ~~with a robust enforcement regime to back that up~~. ~~It will establish clear lines of responsibility in multi~~-~~occupied residential buildings~~, ~~by creating new roles and responsibilities~~ for ~~those~~ that ~~own~~ and ~~manage these buildings~~. ~~The Bill will also empower residents~~ and ~~give them~~ a ~~stronger voice~~ in ~~matters that affect their home~~.	+	In August 2023, the report of the auditor general of Wales was published, '[https://audit.wales/sites/default/files/2023-07/Cracks_in_the_Foundations_Building_Safety_in_Wales_English_0.pdf Cracks in the Foundations', Building Safety in Wales]. The report set out a number of recommendations for the Welsh Government and local authorities, which included: Providing greater clarity on the implementation and expectations of Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022. Ensuring that there are sufficient resources to deliver the legislative and policy changes for building safety in order to reduce implementation risks. Oversight and management of building control need to increase to ensure a robust assurance system in place for building control and safety.

−	~~By July 2021,~~ the ~~Welsh government had identified buildings with ACM cladding with 12 remediations completed (from a fund of £10.5 million made available in 2020), with others planned~~ and ~~at no additional cost~~ to ~~leaseholders. It had started~~ to ~~bring forward legislation applying~~ to ~~Wales~~ in ~~relation to fire safety via the Home Office’s Fire Safety Act and~~ the ~~Ministry~~ of ~~Housing, Communities~~, and ~~Local Government’s Building Safety Bill laid before the government~~ in ~~the same month~~.	+	The report essentially welcomed the changes to building control and building safety but highlighted that those responsible for implementing the changes were not well placed to deliver them and “unable to effectively carry out their enhanced roles” to ensure that buildings in Wales are safe. In the absence of a national framework for monitoring and evaluating building control and safety, local authorities and partners do not work to agreed-upon outcome measures and targets, which in turn “weakens scrutiny of services and does not help mitigate risk.”

	The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 1) (Wales) Regulations 2022. These Regulations provide for Section 48 (Insurance: Removal of Requirements) of the 2022 Act to come into force in Wales on July 28, 2022. The Building (Building Control Profession) (Registration, Sanctions, and Appeals) (Wales) Regulations 2023 came into force on January 1, 2023, including the registration period for individual registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) of four years from the day on which registration has effect. While the registration period for Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) is to be five years from the day registration takes effect,.		The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 1) (Wales) Regulations 2022. These Regulations provide for Section 48 (Insurance: Removal of Requirements) of the 2022 Act to come into force in Wales on July 28, 2022. The Building (Building Control Profession) (Registration, Sanctions, and Appeals) (Wales) Regulations 2023 came into force on January 1, 2023, including the registration period for individual registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) of four years from the day on which registration has effect. While the registration period for Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) is to be five years from the day registration takes effect,.

−	~~In August 2023~~, the ~~report~~ of ~~the auditor general of Wales was published, '[https://audit~~.~~wales/sites/default/files/2023-07/Cracks_in_the_Foundations_Building_Safety_in_Wales_English_0.pdf Cracks~~ in ~~the Foundations'~~, ~~Building Safety in Wales]. The report set out a number of recommendations for the Welsh Government~~ and ~~local authorities, which included: Providing greater clarity on the implementation and expectations of Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022. Ensuring that there are sufficient resources~~ to ~~deliver the legislative and policy changes for building safety in order to reduce implementation risks~~. ~~Oversight and management of building control need~~ to ~~increase~~ to ~~ensure a robust assurance system~~ in ~~place for building control and safety.~~	+	By July 2021, the Welsh government had identified buildings with ACM cladding with 12 remediations completed (from a fund of £10.5 million made available in 2020), with others planned and at no additional cost to leaseholders. It had started to bring forward legislation applying to Wales in relation to fire safety via the Home Office’s Fire Safety Act and the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government’s Building Safety Bill laid before the government in the same month.
−		+
−	~~The report essentially welcomed the changes~~ to ~~building control and building~~ safety ~~but highlighted that those responsible for implementing~~ the ~~changes were not well placed to deliver them~~ and ~~“unable to effectively carry out their enhanced roles” to ensure that buildings in Wales are safe. In~~ the ~~absence~~ of ~~a national framework for monitoring and evaluating building control and safety~~, ~~local authorities~~ and ~~partners do not work to agreed-upon outcome measures and targets, which~~ in ~~turn “weakens scrutiny of services and does not help mitigate risk~~.”	+

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

Editor at 20:37, 10 August 2025

2025-08-10T20:37:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:37, 10 August 2025
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	= Further progress in Wales to date =		= Further progress in Wales to date =
		+
		+	On 7 July 2025 the Building Safety (Wales) Bill and its Explanatory Memorandum were laid before the Senedd. As one of the Programme for Government commitments, the Bill builds on the 2021 Safer Buildings in Wales White Paper and aims to improve building safety in Wales through the introduction of a new building safety regime covering the occupation and ongoing management of multi-occupied residential buildings.
		+
		+	Informed by extensive stakeholder engagement it is a key element of the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Hackitt Review, and the work of the Welsh Government’s Building Safety Expert Group. The three key principles of the Bill are safety, accountability and resident voice.
		+
		+	The Bill will require fire and structural risks to be assessed and managed whilst buildings are in occupation, for the benefit of residents and others, with a robust enforcement regime to back that up. It will establish clear lines of responsibility in multi-occupied residential buildings, by creating new roles and responsibilities for those that own and manage these buildings. The Bill will also empower residents and give them a stronger voice in matters that affect their home.

	By July 2021, the Welsh government had identified buildings with ACM cladding with 12 remediations completed (from a fund of £10.5 million made available in 2020), with others planned and at no additional cost to leaseholders. It had started to bring forward legislation applying to Wales in relation to fire safety via the Home Office’s Fire Safety Act and the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government’s Building Safety Bill laid before the government in the same month.		By July 2021, the Welsh government had identified buildings with ACM cladding with 12 remediations completed (from a fund of £10.5 million made available in 2020), with others planned and at no additional cost to leaseholders. It had started to bring forward legislation applying to Wales in relation to fire safety via the Home Office’s Fire Safety Act and the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government’s Building Safety Bill laid before the government in the same month.
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	* Welsh Government, [https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2021-01/consultation.pdf Safer Buildings in Wales: A Consultation].		* Welsh Government, [https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2021-01/consultation.pdf Safer Buildings in Wales: A Consultation].

−	[[Category:~~DCN_Legislation~~]] [[Category:~~DCN_News~~]] [[Category:~~News~~]] [[Category:~~Building_safety~~]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]	+	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Building_safety]]

Editor at 13:39, 31 May 2024

2024-05-31T13:39:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:39, 31 May 2024
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	= Welsh response in the immediate years =		= Welsh response in the immediate years =

−	On May 17 2018, the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: Final Report (Hackitt Report) was published by the UK Government. In those years immediately following the tragedy, social housing providers in Wales instigated work to assess the fire resistance of their properties and the Welsh Government established a Building Safety Expert Group. The Welsh Building Safety Expert Group’s road map report was published in March 2019 ([https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-04/building-safety-expert-group-road-map_0.pdf Road Map to Safer Buildings in Wales]).	+	On May 17, 2018, the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: Final Report (Hackitt Report) was published by the UK Government. In those years immediately following the tragedy, social housing providers in Wales instigated work to assess the fire resistance of their properties, and the Welsh Government established a Building Safety Expert Group. The Welsh Building Safety Expert Group’s road map report was published in March 2019 ([https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-04/building-safety-expert-group-road-map_0.pdf Road Map to Safer Buildings in Wales]).

−	Responding to the publication of the roadmap Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James AM said: ‘I will reflect on the group’s recommendations but one recommendation I will accept here and now is that we promote the ~~retro-fitting~~ of sprinklers. Hard evidence supports sprinklers’ effectiveness in preventing fatalities so I am committed to looking at how we can further promote ~~retro-fitting~~ in high-rise buildings across sectors.’	+	Responding to the publication of the roadmap, Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James AM said, ‘I will reflect on the group’s recommendations, but one recommendation I will accept here and now is that we promote the retrofitting of sprinklers. Hard evidence supports sprinklers’ effectiveness in preventing fatalities, so I am committed to looking at how we can further promote retrofitting in high-rise buildings across sectors.’

−	The report included ~~the~~ proposals to establish clear lines of accountability through the creation of new roles and responsibilities for those who own and manage relevant buildings. It also proposed providing a stronger regulatory system to hold those responsible to account and ~~prioritising~~ the needs of residents, with enhanced rights and a stronger voice on matters affecting their homes.	+	The report included proposals to establish clear lines of accountability through the creation of new roles and responsibilities for those who own and manage relevant buildings. It also proposed providing a stronger regulatory system to hold those responsible to account and prioritise the needs of residents, with enhanced rights and a stronger voice on matters affecting their homes.

−	The Building Safety Bill 2019-20 was announced by the UK government in the Queen’s Speech on 19 December 2019, published July 20 2020, with the final draft published on July 5 2021, only to be amended in April 2022 (including scrapping the role of Building Safety Manager). The ~~Bill~~ received ~~Royal Assent~~ April 8 2022, becoming law as the Building Safety Act 2022.	+	The Building Safety Bill 2019-20 was announced by the UK government in the Queen’s Speech on December 19, 2019, published on July 20, 2020, with the final draft published on July 5, 2021, only to be amended in April 2022 (including scrapping the role of Building Safety Manager). The bill received royal assent on April 8, 2022, becoming law as the Building Safety Act 2022.

−	~~Whilst~~ the act also applies to Wales, it also allows ~~for~~ the Welsh ~~Government~~ to implement a slightly different regime from England. ~~Whilst~~ the Building Safety Act 2022 includes reserved matters, the building regulations and safety are considered as devolved matters, meaning that decision-making can ~~been~~ delegated by Parliament to the devolved institutions such as the Scottish Parliament, Northern Ireland and in this case the Assemblies of Wales.	+	While the act also applies to Wales, it also allows the Welsh government to implement a slightly different regime from England. While the Building Safety Act 2022 includes reserved matters, the building regulations and safety are considered devolved matters, meaning that decision-making can be delegated by Parliament to the devolved institutions such as the Scottish Parliament, Northern Ireland, and, in this case, the Assemblies of Wales.

	= Welsh government white paper and consultation =		= Welsh government white paper and consultation =
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	The report essentially welcomed the changes to building control and building safety but highlighted that those responsible for implementing the changes were not well placed to deliver them and “unable to effectively carry out their enhanced roles” to ensure that buildings in Wales are safe. In the absence of a national framework for monitoring and evaluating building control and safety, local authorities and partners do not work to agreed-upon outcome measures and targets, which in turn “weakens scrutiny of services and does not help mitigate risk.”		The report essentially welcomed the changes to building control and building safety but highlighted that those responsible for implementing the changes were not well placed to deliver them and “unable to effectively carry out their enhanced roles” to ensure that buildings in Wales are safe. In the absence of a national framework for monitoring and evaluating building control and safety, local authorities and partners do not work to agreed-upon outcome measures and targets, which in turn “weakens scrutiny of services and does not help mitigate risk.”
−
−	In August 2023, the report of the auditor general of Wales was published; '[https://audit.wales/sites/default/files/2023-07/Cracks_in_the_Foundations_Building_Safety_in_Wales_English_0.pdf Cracks in the Foundations', Building Safety in Wales]. The report set out a number of recommendations for the Welsh Government and local authorities, these included: Providing greater clarity on the implementation and expectations of Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022. Ensuring that sufficient resources to deliver the legislative and policy changes for building safety in order to reduce implementation risks. Oversight and management of building control needs to increase to ensure a robust assurance system in place for building control and safety.
−
−	The report essentially welcomed the changes to building control and building safety, but highlighted that those responsible for implementing the changes were not well placed to deliver them and “unable to effectively carry out their enhanced roles” to ensure that buildings in Wales are safe. In the absence of a national framework for monitoring and evaluating building control and safety, local authorities and partners do not work to agreed outcome measures and targets which in turn “This weakens scrutiny of services and does not help mitigate risk.”

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

Editor at 13:36, 31 May 2024

2024-05-31T13:36:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:36, 31 May 2024
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	Whilst Wales has a good record on fire safety, the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower showed the need to make changes and improvements to building safety systems throughout the country. For many in Wales the tragedy brought back memories of one of the worst events in British history: the Aberfan disaster of 1966, not because of the nature of the incident was similar but because both were effectively avoidable. The Aberfan disaster saw the catastrophic collapse of a colliery spoil tip, which had been created on a mountain slope above a Welsh mining village and saw 116 children and 28 adults losing their lives, it, like the Grenfell tragedy, could have been avoided.		Whilst Wales has a good record on fire safety, the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower showed the need to make changes and improvements to building safety systems throughout the country. For many in Wales the tragedy brought back memories of one of the worst events in British history: the Aberfan disaster of 1966, not because of the nature of the incident was similar but because both were effectively avoidable. The Aberfan disaster saw the catastrophic collapse of a colliery spoil tip, which had been created on a mountain slope above a Welsh mining village and saw 116 children and 28 adults losing their lives, it, like the Grenfell tragedy, could have been avoided.

−	= Welsh response =	+	= Welsh response in the immediate years =

	On May 17 2018, the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: Final Report (Hackitt Report) was published by the UK Government. In those years immediately following the tragedy, social housing providers in Wales instigated work to assess the fire resistance of their properties and the Welsh Government established a Building Safety Expert Group. The Welsh Building Safety Expert Group’s road map report was published in March 2019 ([https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-04/building-safety-expert-group-road-map_0.pdf Road Map to Safer Buildings in Wales]).		On May 17 2018, the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: Final Report (Hackitt Report) was published by the UK Government. In those years immediately following the tragedy, social housing providers in Wales instigated work to assess the fire resistance of their properties and the Welsh Government established a Building Safety Expert Group. The Welsh Building Safety Expert Group’s road map report was published in March 2019 ([https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-04/building-safety-expert-group-road-map_0.pdf Road Map to Safer Buildings in Wales]).
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	= Further progress in Wales to date =		= Further progress in Wales to date =

−	By July 2021 the Welsh government had identified buildings with ACM cladding with 12 remediations completed (from a fund of £10.5m made available in 2020) with others planned and at no additional ~~costs~~ to leaseholders.It had started to bring forward legislation applying to Wales in relation to fire safety, via Home Office’s Fire Safety Act and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Building Safety Bill laid ~~just~~ before the government in the same month.	+	By July 2021, the Welsh government had identified buildings with ACM cladding with 12 remediations completed (from a fund of £10.5 million made available in 2020), with others planned and at no additional cost to leaseholders. It had started to bring forward legislation applying to Wales in relation to fire safety via the Home Office’s Fire Safety Act and the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government’s Building Safety Bill laid before the government in the same month.

−	The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 1) (Wales) Regulations 2022. These Regulations provide for Section 48 (Insurance: ~~removal~~ of ~~requirements~~) of the 2022 Act to come into force in Wales on 28 July 2022. The Building (Building Control Profession) (Registration, Sanctions and Appeals) (Wales) Regulations 2023, came into force on January 1 2023, including the registration period for individual registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) of four years from the day on which registration has effect. ~~Whilst~~ the registration period for Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) is to be five years from the day registration takes effect.	+	The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 1) (Wales) Regulations 2022. These Regulations provide for Section 48 (Insurance: Removal of Requirements) of the 2022 Act to come into force in Wales on July 28, 2022. The Building (Building Control Profession) (Registration, Sanctions, and Appeals) (Wales) Regulations 2023 came into force on January 1, 2023, including the registration period for individual registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) of four years from the day on which registration has effect. While the registration period for Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) is to be five years from the day registration takes effect,.
		+
		+	In August 2023, the report of the auditor general of Wales was published, '[https://audit.wales/sites/default/files/2023-07/Cracks_in_the_Foundations_Building_Safety_in_Wales_English_0.pdf Cracks in the Foundations', Building Safety in Wales]. The report set out a number of recommendations for the Welsh Government and local authorities, which included: Providing greater clarity on the implementation and expectations of Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022. Ensuring that there are sufficient resources to deliver the legislative and policy changes for building safety in order to reduce implementation risks. Oversight and management of building control need to increase to ensure a robust assurance system in place for building control and safety.
		+
		+	The report essentially welcomed the changes to building control and building safety but highlighted that those responsible for implementing the changes were not well placed to deliver them and “unable to effectively carry out their enhanced roles” to ensure that buildings in Wales are safe. In the absence of a national framework for monitoring and evaluating building control and safety, local authorities and partners do not work to agreed-upon outcome measures and targets, which in turn “weakens scrutiny of services and does not help mitigate risk.”

	In August 2023, the report of the auditor general of Wales was published; '[https://audit.wales/sites/default/files/2023-07/Cracks_in_the_Foundations_Building_Safety_in_Wales_English_0.pdf Cracks in the Foundations', Building Safety in Wales]. The report set out a number of recommendations for the Welsh Government and local authorities, these included: Providing greater clarity on the implementation and expectations of Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022. Ensuring that sufficient resources to deliver the legislative and policy changes for building safety in order to reduce implementation risks. Oversight and management of building control needs to increase to ensure a robust assurance system in place for building control and safety.		In August 2023, the report of the auditor general of Wales was published; '[https://audit.wales/sites/default/files/2023-07/Cracks_in_the_Foundations_Building_Safety_in_Wales_English_0.pdf Cracks in the Foundations', Building Safety in Wales]. The report set out a number of recommendations for the Welsh Government and local authorities, these included: Providing greater clarity on the implementation and expectations of Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022. Ensuring that sufficient resources to deliver the legislative and policy changes for building safety in order to reduce implementation risks. Oversight and management of building control needs to increase to ensure a robust assurance system in place for building control and safety.

Editor at 13:31, 31 May 2024

2024-05-31T13:31:09Z

Editor at 12:18, 31 May 2024

2024-05-31T12:18:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:18, 31 May 2024
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	The report included the proposals to establish clear lines of accountability through the creation of new roles and responsibilities for those who own and manage relevant buildings. It also proposed providing a stronger regulatory system to hold those responsible to account and prioritising the needs of residents, with enhanced rights and a stronger voice on matters affecting their homes.		The report included the proposals to establish clear lines of accountability through the creation of new roles and responsibilities for those who own and manage relevant buildings. It also proposed providing a stronger regulatory system to hold those responsible to account and prioritising the needs of residents, with enhanced rights and a stronger voice on matters affecting their homes.

−	The Building Safety Bill 2019-20 was announced by the UK government in the Queen’s Speech on 19 December 2019 ~~and~~ published July 20 2020, with the final draft published on July 5 2021, only to be amended in April 2022 (including scrapping the role of Building Safety Manager). The Bill received Royal Assent April 8 2022, becoming law as the Building Safety Act 2022~~, whilst~~ the act also applies to Wales, it also allows for the Welsh Government to implement a slightly different regime from England. Whilst the Building Safety Act 2022 includes reserved matters, the building regulations and safety are considered as devolved matters, meaning that decision-making can been delegated by Parliament to the devolved institutions such as the Scottish Parliament, Northern Ireland and the Assemblies of Wales.	+	The Building Safety Bill 2019-20 was announced by the UK government in the Queen’s Speech on 19 December 2019, published July 20 2020, with the final draft published on July 5 2021, only to be amended in April 2022 (including scrapping the role of Building Safety Manager). The Bill received Royal Assent April 8 2022, becoming law as the Building Safety Act 2022.
		+
		+	Whilst the act also applies to Wales, it also allows for the Welsh Government to implement a slightly different regime from England. Whilst the Building Safety Act 2022 includes reserved matters, the building regulations and safety are considered as devolved matters, meaning that decision-making can been delegated by Parliament to the devolved institutions such as the Scottish Parliament, Northern Ireland and in this case the Assemblies of Wales.

	= Welsh government white paper and consultation =		= Welsh government white paper and consultation =
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	The intention of the consultation was to create a rigorous building safety regime that would overhaul the existing system. The format of the paper set out questions for consideration by those involved in building safety. The Building Safety Regime being intended to cover all multi-occupied residential buildings. This meant the scope of the regime would capture a house converted into two flats, a licenced house in multiple occupation (HMO), a high-rise apartment block and other types of residential buildings where there is a risk from fire or structural safety that has the potential to impact significant numbers of people.		The intention of the consultation was to create a rigorous building safety regime that would overhaul the existing system. The format of the paper set out questions for consideration by those involved in building safety. The Building Safety Regime being intended to cover all multi-occupied residential buildings. This meant the scope of the regime would capture a house converted into two flats, a licenced house in multiple occupation (HMO), a high-rise apartment block and other types of residential buildings where there is a risk from fire or structural safety that has the potential to impact significant numbers of people.

−	= ~~Differentiating~~ issues for Wales =	+	= Initial differentiation of the issues for Wales =

	The white paper [https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2021-01/consultation.pdf Safer Buildings in Wales] was a response to problems found by the [https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/independent-review-of-building-regulations-and-fire-safety-hackitt-review Hackitt Review] and the [https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/ Grenfell Inquiry]. Whilst the problems being very similar in England and Wales, the scale of the problems was very different; in England there were over 12,000 high rise (Category 1) residential buildings, but in Wales there were approximately 148.		The white paper [https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2021-01/consultation.pdf Safer Buildings in Wales] was a response to problems found by the [https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/independent-review-of-building-regulations-and-fire-safety-hackitt-review Hackitt Review] and the [https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/ Grenfell Inquiry]. Whilst the problems being very similar in England and Wales, the scale of the problems was very different; in England there were over 12,000 high rise (Category 1) residential buildings, but in Wales there were approximately 148.
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	[[File:WalesCategoriesFlowchart.jpg\|link=File:WalesCategoriesFlowchart.jpg]]		[[File:WalesCategoriesFlowchart.jpg\|link=File:WalesCategoriesFlowchart.jpg]]

−	The draft Building Safety Bill by the UK Government ~~has~~ presented an opportunity to take earlier action ~~in the Welsh Government’s efforts to respond~~ to the need to modernise both the building control system and the way the construction industry discharges its responsibilities. Therefore, the Welsh Government has made the decision to ask the UK Government to make a number of changes to the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1984/55 Building Act 1984] on its behalf.	+	The introduction of the draft Building Safety Bill by the UK Government in 2019 presented an opportunity for the Welsh Government to take earlier action, responding to the need to modernise both the building control system and the way the construction industry discharges its responsibilities. Therefore, the Welsh Government has made the decision to ask the UK Government to make a number of changes to the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1984/55 Building Act 1984] on its behalf.

	In addition to identifying the initial steps for improved building safety in Wales, the white paper covers several important considerations, including:		In addition to identifying the initial steps for improved building safety in Wales, the white paper covers several important considerations, including:

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:31, 31 May 2024
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	[[File:WalesCategoriesFlowchart.jpg\|link=File:WalesCategoriesFlowchart.jpg]]		[[File:WalesCategoriesFlowchart.jpg\|link=File:WalesCategoriesFlowchart.jpg]]

−	The introduction of the draft Building Safety Bill by the UK Government in 2019 presented an opportunity for the Welsh Government to take earlier action, responding to the need to modernise both the building control system and the way the construction industry discharges its responsibilities. Therefore, the Welsh Government ~~has~~ made the decision to ask the UK Government to make a number of changes to the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1984/55 Building Act 1984] on its behalf.	+	The introduction of the draft Building Safety Bill by the UK Government in 2019 presented an opportunity for the Welsh Government to take earlier action, responding to the need to modernise both the building control system and the way the construction industry discharges its responsibilities. Therefore, the Welsh Government made the decision to ask the UK Government to make a number of changes to the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1984/55 Building Act 1984] on its behalf.

−	In addition to identifying the initial steps for improved building safety in Wales, the white paper ~~covers~~ several important considerations, including:	+	In addition to identifying the initial steps for improved building safety in Wales, the white paper covered several important considerations, including:

−	* The Building Safety Regime (Design and Construction Phase) - ~~this looks~~ at Gateways, Dutyholders and Building Control Bodies.	+	* The Building Safety Regime (Design and Construction Phase) - looking at Gateways, Dutyholders and Building Control Bodies.
−	* The Building Safety Regime (Occupation Phase) - ~~this includes~~ fire risk assessments, mandatory reporting and so on.	+	* The Building Safety Regime (Occupation Phase) - including fire risk assessments, mandatory reporting and so on.
−	* Residents - Roles and Responsibilities - this ~~defines~~ the requirements for the Accountable Person and evacuation procedures for people with disabilities	+	* Residents - Roles and Responsibilities - this defined the requirements for the Accountable Person and evacuation procedures for people with disabilities
−	* Regulating the Building Safety Regime - this ~~covers~~ regulatory objectives and models, along with enforcement and sanctions.	+	* Regulating the Building Safety Regime - this covered regulatory objectives and models, along with enforcement and sanctions.
−	* General Requirements in Relation to Fire Safety Equipment - this ~~proposes~~ the consideration of stricter fire equipment measures adopted in Scotland through an amendment to the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2019/8/contents/made Housing (Scotland) Act 1987].	+	* General Requirements in Relation to Fire Safety Equipment - this proposed the consideration of stricter fire equipment measures adopted in Scotland through an amendment to the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2019/8/contents/made Housing (Scotland) Act 1987].
		+
		+	= Further progress in Wales to date =

	By July 2021 the Welsh government had identified buildings with ACM cladding with 12 remediations completed (from a fund of £10.5m made available in 2020) with others planned and at no additional costs to leaseholders.It had started to bring forward legislation applying to Wales in relation to fire safety, via Home Office’s Fire Safety Act and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Building Safety Bill laid just before the government in the same month.		By July 2021 the Welsh government had identified buildings with ACM cladding with 12 remediations completed (from a fund of £10.5m made available in 2020) with others planned and at no additional costs to leaseholders.It had started to bring forward legislation applying to Wales in relation to fire safety, via Home Office’s Fire Safety Act and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Building Safety Bill laid just before the government in the same month.

−	The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 1) (Wales) Regulations 2022. These Regulations provide for Section 48 (Insurance: removal of requirements) of the 2022 Act to come into force in Wales on 28 July 2022.	+	The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 1) (Wales) Regulations 2022. These Regulations provide for Section 48 (Insurance: removal of requirements) of the 2022 Act to come into force in Wales on 28 July 2022. The Building (Building Control Profession) (Registration, Sanctions and Appeals) (Wales) Regulations 2023, came into force on January 1 2023, including the registration period for individual registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) of four years from the day on which registration has effect. Whilst the registration period for Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) is to be five years from the day registration takes effect.
		+
		+	In August 2023, the report of the auditor general of Wales was published; '[https://audit.wales/sites/default/files/2023-07/Cracks_in_the_Foundations_Building_Safety_in_Wales_English_0.pdf Cracks in the Foundations', Building Safety in Wales]. The report set out a number of recommendations for the Welsh Government and local authorities, these included: Providing greater clarity on the implementation and expectations of Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022. Ensuring that sufficient resources to deliver the legislative and policy changes for building safety in order to reduce implementation risks. Oversight and management of building control needs to increase to ensure a robust assurance system in place for building control and safety.
		+
		+	The report essentially welcomed the changes to building control and building safety, but highlighted that those responsible for implementing the changes were not well placed to deliver them and “unable to effectively carry out their enhanced roles” to ensure that buildings in Wales are safe. In the absence of a national framework for monitoring and evaluating building control and safety, local authorities and partners do not work to agreed outcome measures and targets which in turn “This weakens scrutiny of services and does not help mitigate risk.”

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =
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	* Welsh Government, [https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2021-01/consultation.pdf Safer Buildings in Wales: A Consultation].		* Welsh Government, [https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2021-01/consultation.pdf Safer Buildings in Wales: A Consultation].

−	~~[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]~~ [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:Building_safety]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:Building_safety]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]