The UK government has released its response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, outlining significant reforms aimed at enhancing building safety and regulation.
This response follows the Inquiry’s Phase 2 report, which highlighted systemic failures contributing to the 2017 tragedy.
Licensing of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)
In the future, CABs will need to be licensed by the Construction Products Regulator to test and approve construction products for use in the UK. This measure is designed to ensure that products meet stringent safety standards.
Certification of Fire Risk Assessors
Fire risk assessors will be required to be certified by UKAS-accredited certification bodies. This step aims to enhance the professionalism and reliability of fire risk assessments.
Construction Products Reform
The government has published a green paper proposing system-wide reforms in the construction products sector. This includes changes to licensing, data reporting and accountability for manufacturers and distributors.
Regulatory Framework Enhancements
The government plans to clarify standards and responsibilities across the construction industry. This includes ongoing reviews of building safety regulations and the introduction of new standards for social housing.
These reforms are part of a broader effort to rebuild trust in the UK’s building and fire safety systems. They are likely to lead to higher standards for product testing and certification and are intended to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
