Committee discusses building safety with Dame Judith Hackitt
The Industry and Regulators Committee is continuing its inquiry into building safety regulation by hearing from Dame Judith Hackitt, whose Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety led to the establishment of the regulatory framework overseen by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). The Committee will discuss whether the BSR has improved the safety of high-rise buildings and what impact its framework has had on the delivery of new homes and the maintenance of existing ones. The Committee will consider whether the culture and capability of the construction industry have changed sufficiently following the Grenfell Tower fire, and what guidance the industry may need to build good, safe buildings. The Committee will also examine whether it is possible to make the BSR’s framework more proportionate without impacting on the safety of high-rise buildings, and whether the BSR has the skills and resources it needs to provide timely approvals.
Meeting details
Possible questions include:
- Has the introduction of the BSR improved the safety of the buildings it is responsible for?
- How has the BSR’s regulatory framework impacted the delivery of new buildings and homes, and the maintenance and improvement of existing high-rise buildings?
- To what extent are delays caused by a poor understanding of building safety on the part of developers, leading to unsuitable applications?
- Are the Government’s reforms to the BSR sufficient to address the sector’s concerns about its performance?