CIH welcomes publication of consultation on building safety regulations

CIH has welcomed today's publication of the government consultation on building safety regulations proposed in the Hackitt report. We support many of the proposals but we are concerned at the consultation's short timescale.

We are pleased to finally see the full consultation on the reform of building safety regulation announced today - almost 2 years after the horrendous events at Grenfell Tower when 72 people lost their lives. It’s good to see more detail and clarity on the government’s proposals – including the new dutyholder regime and the role of the BSM (building safety manager). We also welcome the proposals to put residents at the heart of the new regulatory system. There is a lot of detail to be absorbed, and we will work closely with our members to ensure the views of housing professionals are reflected in our response to the consultation.

However, we are worried that the government is only allowing eight weeks for this consultation rather than the statutory 12-week period. Given the many important issues it raises and the level of technical detail it covers, such a short timescale risks denying many groups, including residents, the chance to contribute in a meaningful way. We urge government to think again about this.

CIH chief executive Terrie Alafat said: “We welcome the consultation and will work closely with our members, the sector and the government to ensure that the proposed reforms are robust and practical and, once agreed, are implemented swiftly and effectively, so we never have a tragedy like Grenfell again.”