Legislation to put Dame Judith Hackitt’s fire safety and building regulation recommendations into effect is to be brought in front of Parliament this year, according to a government statement.
Hackitt’s report on fire safety and building regulations was released last year following the fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017. The document calls on building owners, the construction industry, government and regulatory bodies to unite and “significantly improve the way that fire safety is assured.”
In 2018, the government declared its commitment to a stronger framework of regulations that would implement Hackitt’s proposals in a plan to review building regulations and fire safety guidelines through a reform programme.
Hackitt expressed concern this year that an appropriate response would not be forthcoming. A recent survey uncovered that most construction firms were still not working in step with the safety recommendations.
Secretary of State for Housing James Brokenshire has stated to the House of Commons:
“We want to get this reform on to the statute book and make it happen. We have taken steps with the ban on combustible cladding. We have taken steps to see that action is advanced and that buildings are made safe.”
The House of Commons heard the Hackitt-informed legislation will be brought in front of parliament this year, followed by the bill being put to members of parliament at its next session. Voting would be held in either 2020 or in 2021 with an aim for the legislation to be enforced by 2021.
