WiredGov Newswire (news from other organisations)
 Printable version
|
Queen's Speech: LGA responds to Building Safety Bill
Lord Porter, building safety spokesman for the Local Government Association, responded to plans for a Building Safety Bill announced in yesterday’s Queen’s Speech
“Reform of our broken building safety system cannot come soon enough so we are pleased that the Queen’s Speech includes a Bill to enshrine a tough new system into law.
“Designers, developers, product manufacturers and building owners need to be given clear duties in relation to building safety and clear guidance on those duties. It is important that the new regulatory framework does not create a two-tier safety system. To avoid this we need a partnership between the new building regulator, councils and fire services, with local authorities given effective powers, including meaningful sanctions.
“The new system must also be properly funded and residents have to be able to raise concerns and know they will be listened to.
“The repair bill to improve the safety of existing buildings is likely to be significant and leaseholders and council taxpayers will not be able to meet it. There is also a significant shortage of the skills required to deliver effective fire safety regulation and funding training will be an essential early step in these reforms.
“The tragedy that unfolded at Grenfell Tower must never be allowed to happen again and we must ensure that those who live, work and visit high-rise and high-risk buildings are safe. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to deliver the much-needed reform to ensure residents are safe and feel safe.”
