The UK government has published guidance for a more accountable system to improve building safety in light of recommendations in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Recognising that the Grenfell tragedy could have been prevented, the government is focused on taking robust action to create a building safety system and to address problems identified by the inquiry.
Minister for building safety, fire and democracy, Samantha Dixon, stated: “The Grenfell tragedy should never have happened, and we remain committed to learning and acting on its failings.
“High standards, responsibility and safety must underpin the whole building process, upheld by everyone across the profession.”
A skilled workforce is necessary to deliver safe buildings
A Call for Evidence has been launched to drive a new Building Professions Strategy, exploring how people work during all stages of the building safety process, from designers to contractors.
The strategy, based on evidence of what works, is set to be published in 2027. It will provide a clear view on the skills, experience and accountabilities required of those across the building process – ensuring a skilled workforce equipped to deliver safe and sustainable buildings.
A better-equipped fire service can respond more efficiently to dangers
The government has also taken the first step in delivering a new college of fire and rescue.
The college will help strengthen the professionalism and skills of leaders and firefighters across the fire and rescue sector, improve consistency of standards across services, and widen access to best practice, resulting in a better, more efficient service for the public.
The consultation that has launched today seeks views from the sector and the public to help shape the college’s design.
Removal of unsafe cladding will improve building safety across the country
Earlier this month, the King’s Speech confirmed plans to introduce a Remediation Bill, which will drive forward the remediation of historic unsafe cladding even faster – removing barriers, getting buildings fixed faster and allowing residents to feel safer in their homes.
Other measures announced include:
- Plans to work in partnership with the building control sector to reform the system to protect future growth and maintain standards, accepting recommendations made by the Building Control Independent Panel.
- A Public Engagement Policy which advises ministers and senior civil servants not to attend certain public events with the seven most highly criticised companies in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report, unless for very specific reasons.
A tragedy like Grenfell must never happen again
The government is working closely with the local community, industry, and local authorities on all recommendations to deliver safer homes and lasting change.
The updates come as the government publishes the next quarterly progress report on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Scotland Yard has also recently announced 77 potential criminal charges for the Grenfell disaster, marking an important milestone in delivering justice nearly a decade on.
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