Building, Property Wire and Building Design quote Michael O'Connor on the government's latest Grenfell inquiry report
The construction industry has welcomed the government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry’s final report but warned of the potential for disruption if tighter regulatory controls are introduced too quickly.
A 'super regulator' for the entire industry will be introduced from 2028 alongside a raft of other reforms including stricter regulation of construction products under measures announced by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner.
The changes, which also include a review of so-called ‘higher risk buildings’ and a licensing scheme for contractors, come after several years of adaptation for the industry following the rollout of the new Building Safety Regulator in October 2023.
Michael O'Connor, Partner in our Construction, Engineering & Projects team, comments on the news for Building, Property Wire and Building Design.
Michael explains that there would likely be a “tension” between the introduction of new regulation and the government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes before the next parliament.
Given the extent of the regulatory change considered necessary, it’s necessary to introduce these measures over a period of years, allowing the industry time to adopt new practices.
"However, this means that the industry could still be in a state of flux for years to come, with delays to the approval of remedial schemes and new higher risk buildings.
Michael adds that while the government’s intention to reform highlights a commitment to change, the “practicalities of implementation, market dynamics, and regulatory efficiency present significant challenges that the government must also address to ensure their overall ambitions for the sector”. He also warns that plans to investigate seven firms criticised by the inquiry report, including product manufacturers Arconic, Kingspan and Saint Gobain, could lead to a reduction in competition within already constrained markets.
Read the full articles in Building, Property Wire and Building Design.
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