Grenfell: England's building safety system 'still unfit for purpose'

Architects have criticised post-Grenfell plans to reform building safety, pointing out that the system remains largely unchanged and still unfit for purpose 18 months on from the fire that claimed 72 lives.

Ministers announced the proposals to overhaul building regulations on Tuesday, including tougher sanctions for those who disregard residents’ safety, more rigorous standards and guidance for people doing building work, and a stronger voice for residents.

The government said it would launch a trial of a new regulatory system before introducing new legislation in the future but did not specify a date. However, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) said that with the exception of a ban on combustible cladding already announced, more should have already been done by now to make buildings safer.

“England is now lagging behind Wales and Scotland, who have in place or are introducing regulations to require sprinklers and provide a second means of escape,” said Jane Duncan, the chair of the expert advisory group on fire safety at RIBA.

“Until we see real reform of the procurement processes for construction projects, the pressure to cut costs will continue to incentivise the use of cheaper and ultimately riskier materials, reduction in accountability and a lack of competence and supervision.”

On Tuesday the government announced a review of fire safety regulations, which is likely to take months to complete, and the housing secretary, James Brokenshire, told parliament that over the next 12 months he would appoint a “standards committee” to advise him on new and existing construction product and system standards.

“My plan for stronger, tougher rules will make sure there is no hiding place for those who flout building safety rules,” he said.

Brokenshire said he would implement all of the recommendations in the post-Grenfell review of building regulations by Dame Judith Hackitt. She concluded in March that indifference and ignorance led to a “race to the bottom” in building safety practices, with cost prioritised over safety, and called for a new standards regulator to be the centrepiece of a reformed system.

Grenfell United, which represents the bereaved, survivors and residents, said the proposed reforms were long overdue but must not be allowed to be watered down or “kicked into the long grass”.

“It is an industry that for years has put profit over people, creating a culture so rotten that people across the UK are not living in safe homes,” said a spokesperson. “We must be vigilant to ensure government and industry, that so badly failed us, do not water down these changes. Resident voices must be given weight and parliament must keep a watchful eye on progress.”