Building Safety (Wales) Bill passed by Senedd in “huge step forward”

The Building Safety (Wales) Bill establishes a “comprehensive” new building safety regime for residents of shared buildings across Wales, regardless of building height or tenure. It’s said to be “broader in scope and ambition” than equivalent legislation in England and delivers on the Welsh Government’s commitment to make building safety a guiding principle for how homes and buildings are managed across the country.

The new legislation is a direct result of the Grenfell Tower tragedy that occurred back in June 2017 and as a result of which 72 people lost their lives. In essence, the Bill seeks to ensure that the failures which contributed to that disaster can never occur in Wales.

Three core principles underpin the Building Safety (Wales) Bill:

*Safety

The Bill requires that fire risk assessments are carried out only by competent persons, with criminal penalties for those who do not comply (directly addressing a concern raised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel)

*Accountability

The legislation establishes clear legal responsibilities for those who manage buildings, thereby ending any confusion about who’s answerable for building safety risks

*Resident voice

The Bill empowers residents with clear routes of redress and a stronger say in matters affecting their homes, with appropriate responsibilities for residents supported by guidance to help them contribute to a safer living environment

Landmark moment

Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said: “This is a landmark moment for building safety in Wales. The legislation delivers a new building safety regime for residents across Wales, regardless of building type, height or tenure and goes further than anything that exists elsewhere in the UK.”

Bryant continued: “None of this would have been possible without the support and expertise of so many partners. I want to pay particular tribute to the three Welsh Fire and Rescue Services and the many residents and leaseholders who shared their lived experiences with us. Their voices have shaped this legislation and will continue to matter as we implement it.”

In conclusion, Bryant noted: “By passing this Bill, we’ve taken a huge step forward in ensuring that the people of Wales are safe in their homes.”

The Welsh Government has also published a report on progress being made to implement the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and continues to support leaseholders and residents alike through the dedicated building safety remediation programme.

*Further information is available online at www.gov.wales