JULIE JAMES, Minister for Climate Change, has detailed progress in the ongoing Welsh Building Safety Programme. The programme, a collaboration with Plaid Cymru, aims to overhaul the current building safety regime and tackle fire safety in buildings over 11 metres.

The forthcoming Building Safety (Wales) Bill, set to be introduced within this Senedd term, promises a new era of building safety covering multi-occupied residential buildings, surpassing the scope of the Building Safety Act 2022 implemented in England. This bill will ensure all multi-occupied residential buildings in Wales with two or more units are included, setting a new standard for building safety and management.

In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, the need for clear accountability has been underscored. The Welsh Government’s bill will establish a robust regulatory system, defining clear responsibilities for building owners and managers, and introducing statutory duties for “duty-holders” of residential buildings.

Efforts are underway to closely involve leaseholders and tenants in the formation of this new regime, ensuring their voices are central to the programme’s development. The Welsh Government plans to entrust local authorities with the regulation of the occupation phase, leveraging their extensive experience in regulatory oversight and resident engagement.

The initiative includes an economic analysis by Adroit Economics Ltd to assess the cost and resource implications for local authorities. This comprehensive approach aims to support a smooth transition to the new regime, with an emphasis on bolstering local authority capabilities through recruitment and training initiatives for building control inspectors.

The first phase of the Design and Construction transition plan is nearing completion, marking a pivotal moment with the opening of registration for Building Inspectors and Building Control Approvers in Wales. This step is part of a broader effort to tighten controls in the building control profession and improve transparency and accountability.

In addition to regulatory reforms, the Welsh Government is actively addressing fire safety in existing buildings, with an ambitious programme to rectify fire safety concerns beyond external cladding, embracing internal issues as well. Progress is being made, with several major developers already signing up to the government’s contract, although some delays have been encountered.

The programme extends support to smaller developers and is proactive in ensuring that buildings without a clear developer or those with developers that have ceased operations receive the necessary assistance for fire safety improvements.

To date, significant strides have been made with 37 buildings completed and 86 more in progress. The Welsh Government is also taking steps to assist leaseholders facing challenges with selling or remortgaging their homes due to building safety concerns.

Looking ahead, the establishment of a Joint Inspection Team for Building Safety in Wales is on the horizon, aiming to enhance the safety of multi-occupied residential buildings through additional inspections and advice.

Minister Julie James encourages stakeholders and affected parties to engage with the Welsh Government’s Building Safety Programme, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in Wales.