A Government White Paper has set out new proposals to strengthen the safety of UK buildings through new, stricter regulations for construction materials.
The reforms detailed in the Major Construction Products White Paper come in the wake of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire and subsequent Inquiry, where inappropriate cladding used on the building’s exterior allowed the rapid spread of the fire that led to the deaths of 72 of the tower block’s residents.
The White Paper sets out that all construction products must be properly assessed before being used in the building process. Currently only around a third of constructions products are regulated. The new general safety requirement will mean that all products undergo the proper checks before they can be used.
Interim Chief Construction Advisor, Thouria Istephan, said:
“We must never forget the loss of 72 innocent lives and the impact the tragedy continues to have on the Grenfell community. The announcements today show the important ongoing work to reform and improve the complex regulatory system. We must strive to continue to make lasting and progressive change that improves the safety and quality of both new and existing buildings and, crucially, place people who live and work in buildings at the centre of our thinking.”
A government consultation launched on the proposals to tighten regulations for construction products on 25th February, with a view for secondary legislation to be introduced later this year to write changes into law.
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