Things simply had to change post-Grenfell. The Hackitt Reports into the tragedy at Grenfell Tower in London highlighted a number of critical issues that needed to be addressed in terms of cladding ad fire safety on large buildings.
In response, the UK government introduced the Building Safety Act on 28th April 2022.
This comprehensive regulatory reform introduced primarily focuses on "higher risk buildings." These buildings, as defined in the Act, are those in England that are a minimum of 18 meters in height or have at least seven storeys, and consist of at least two residential units.
The Building Safety Act proposes an extensive rectification regime for buildings that are at least 11 meters high or have at least five storeys, containing a minimum of two dwellings. Certain changes within the Act have a broader reach, encompassing all residential developments, general breaches of the building regulations, as well as competency requirements for professionals operating in the construction industry.
It is important to note that the provisions of the Building Safety Act primarily apply to England. Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland retain the autonomy to establish their own specific requirements in this regard.
The resources on this page are intended to help you better navigate this complex and evolving area of law. However, if you need specific legal advice relating to the Building Safety Act you should contact one of the experienced lawyers listed on this page.