Reforms to Building Safety Regulator will need investment in staff to be successful
The government has unveiled reforms to the Building Safety Regulator to speed up housebuilding, but Prospect warns that it will need proper investment in staff to be effective.
The measures include:
- New Fast Track Process to enhance the review of newbuild applications, unblock delays and boost sector confidence
- Measures will help delivery of 1.5 million safe, high-quality homes and speed up remediation
- Reforms pave the way for the creation of a single construction regulator, as recommended by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Steve Thomas, Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, commenting on the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) being brought into MHCLG in preparation for the formation of a new building regulator, said:
“The Grenfell Fire Inquiry Report highlighted what we all knew, that the regulatory regime has not been fit for purpose. The formation of BSR was the first step towards rectifying this and creating a single building regulator.
“Changing structures alone will not deliver the world class regulation we need unless accompanied by proper investment in the expert staff needed to undertake this specialist work.
“It is urgent that Prospect are now fully engaged in the process so we can represent the views of BSR staff and help ensure a smooth transition to the new structure.
“Prospect is proud to represent experts who do so much to keep the public safe, and through this change we will do everything to ensure they are properly supported in the vital work they do.”
