The Hackitt review into regulations covering high-rise buildings has slammed the current system.
Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety report, commissioned in the wake of the Grenfell tower tragedy, says the system is ignorant and indifferent, with a lack of clarity and regulatory oversight.
Among the reports recommendations are a new regulatory body, along with new regulations, a clear definition of duty holders and responsibility, digital records for buildings, and the tackling of poor procurement practices.
Hackitt’s report details “a ‘race to the bottom’ caused either through ignorance, indifference, or because the system does not facilitate good practice”.
The report outlines the principles for a new regulatory framework in the wake of the Grenfell fire, in which 71 people died.
Specifically it advocates that:
■ Those who procure, design, create and maintain buildings are responsible building safety.
■ Government will set clear requirements for safety standards which must be met.
■ The regulator will hold dutyholders to account and take action against those failing to meet requirements.
■ Residents will actively participate in the ongoing safety of buildings.
Edel Christie, UK managing director for buildings at Arcadis, said: “The findings of the Hackitt Review point to multiple weaknesses in regulation, competence and allocation of responsibility on building projects.
“Industry’s inability to assure and demonstrate that all parties, owners, constructors or operators have taken responsibility for their part in the process lies at the heart of the broken business model highlighted by the Grenfell tragedy.”
Recommendations in the report:
■ A new regulatory framework focused on buildings of 10 storeys or more, overseen by a Joint Competent Authority.
■ A mandatory incident reporting mechanism with identifiable dutyholders responsible for safety of buildings, with clearer roles and responsibilities.
■ A single, more streamlined, regulatory route to oversee building standards with better powers of enforcement.
■ Clearer rights, but also obligations for residents to keep their properties safe.
■ Reassurance and recourse for residents through transparency and involvement in decision making.
■ Construction and fire safety sectors to demonstrate more effective leadership.
■ Technical guidance by the construction/development industry, with oversight by government.
■ Simpler to navigate guidance and regulations, with a more effective testing regime.
■ Obligatory digital records for high rises, with poor procurement practices tackled.
However, there has been criticism that the report does not go far enough.
Greater London Authority assembly member Navin Shah said: “It’s very disappointing that this review of building and fire regulations has not recommended sprinklers or other similar systems to be made mandatory in all buildings above 18 metres.
“The fire commissioner said introducing sprinklers in this way is a “no-brainer”, so it’s deeply concerning that the government continues to overlook the seriousness of this issue. The appalling tragedy of Grenfell must never happen again. This is a dangerous missed opportunity to ensure people can feel safe in their homes and I would urge a rapid rethink.”
■ Click here to read the full report
To send feedback, e-mail alex.peace@egi.co.uk or tweet @egalexpeace or @estatesgazette
