Key Facts

• MP Philip Davies makes preliminary announcements regarding Committee proceedings.
• Witnesses include Sarah Albon (CEO, Health and Safety Executive), Peter Baker (Chief Inspector of Buildings, HSE), and Graham Russell (CEO, Office for Product Safety and Standards).
• The session is scheduled to end at 10:15 am.
• The HSE will not just regulate high-rise buildings but will also have other functions to stimulate competence across the built environment.
• The Building Safety Regulator aims to improve cultural shifts, particularly in design and build processes.
• Funding priorities have been set by MHCLG for establishing the new regulatory function.
• The Bill will introduce both civil and criminal enforcement tools similar to those under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
• A key change is the introduction of gateways that require duty holders to demonstrate their ability to build safe buildings before construction can proceed.
• The safety case system aims to ensure that building owners manage risks effectively and have plans to address any identified gaps.
• The regulatory system has not protected people in the past.
• There is a need for a more robust regulatory system.
• The Building Safety Bill aims to create safer outcomes.
• Six minutes remaining in the session.
• Two additional speakers still require time.
• Philip Davies ends the time allotted for questioning witnesses.
• Richard Silva, executive director of Long Harbour, and Kieran Walker, technical director of Home Builders Federation, gave oral evidence.
• The Government's regulatory regime has contributed to the problem of unsafe buildings.
• A mandatory reserve regime is proposed every 25 years for building maintenance.
• Freeholders and commonhold associations are discussed as potential accountable persons.
• The Bill does not protect existing leaseholders from unaffordable costs.
• HomeGround has a dedicated fire life safety team including chartered fire surveyors and ex-London Fire Brigade officers.
• The team audits managing agents responsible for day-to-day running of blocks around the country.
• The Bill proposes early submission of detailed information at gateway 2 stage.
• Regulatory processes for gateways 1, 2, and possibly 3 are expected to ensure SPVs are fit for purpose.
• The Defective Premises Act 1972 is extended to provide a 15-year window for legal action against developers.
• London Councils feels that the scope of the Bill needs expansion beyond its current focus on buildings over 18 meters.
• The Fire Safety Act is being used as a reference point for developing risk assessment tools applicable to this measure.
• Detailed regulations, especially concerning the building safety manager's role, are needed and should either be included in the Bill or introduced promptly through secondary legislation.
• The Law Commission is pushing for residents to have democratic control over their developments.
• There are concerns about lay directors stepping back from responsibilities due to risks involved in managing buildings safely.
• London Councils advocate for a wholesale review of the building regulation framework.
• Andrew Bulmer sees potential issues arising due to complexity in determining principal accountable persons.
• The building safety charge must be paid within 28 days, which may make it difficult for leaseholders to challenge the charge adequately.
• There is a concern that introducing a new regime could restart the clock on case law and confuse residents with dual service charges.
• The Committee will meet again at 2pm on the same day in the Boothroyd Room.
• Further consideration is ordered to be adjourned.